§ 77. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware of the withdrawal of cargo steamers from calling at Clyde piers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BarnesYes. The Clyde and Campbeltown Shipping Company notified me that they would be unable to continue their services after the 30th September and I had no alternative in the circumstances but to ask the British Transport Commission to provide services which would be integrated with those which the Commission already run in the Clyde area. The Commission have done this and although some reduction has been made in the steamer services in the Clyde, I see no reason to doubt that the shipping and road services now being 169W operated by them will meet all essential needs. I am in any case satisfied that the revised rationalised service should be given a trial, but I am sure that the Commission will continue to give careful consideration to all representations from local interests for they will wish to ensure that the position is adequately covered.