Shipping Services, Great Britain-Northern Ireland (Committee)

HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc111-2W

Mrs. McLaughlin

asked the Minister of Transport what representations he has received from the Government of Northern Ireland asking for an inquiry in the shipping services between Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and what answer he has given.

Mr. Marples

The Government of Northern Ireland recently accepted a Motion in the Northern Ireland Parliament calling for such an inquiry. In response to a request by the Government of Northern Ireland, Who have themselves no power to deal with shipping questions, I have decided to appoint a Committee with the following terms of reference: To consider the shipping services for both passengers and freight between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to report whether they are satisfactory in the following respects:

1. (a) types and frequency of service;
2. (b) standards of service; and
3. (c) reasonableness of charges."

I will make a further statement as soon as possible about the membership of the Committee.