§ 58. Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Transport whether she has considered the representations of the county boroughs of Tynemouth and South Shields on the need to maintain the ferry services put forward by the deputation which was introduced by the hon. Members for South Shields and Tynemouth; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarmichaelMy right hon. Friend has noted the views put forward, and is considering whether there is any way in which she can assist the ferry operators and the local authorities to decide what ferry services are required between North and South Shields now that the Tyne Tunnel is open, and how they should be maintained.
For the immediate future, I understand that the reduced ferry service, introduced following local consultation and for which my right hon. Friend's consent was not required, will be supplemented by a Sunday bus service via the Tunnel.