HC Deb 15 March 1972 vol 833 cc110-1W
59. Mr. Maginnis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many licences on what routes he has currently granted to operators transporting freight directly and indirectly, respectively, from Northern Ireland to the Continent.

Mr. Peyton

The table shows the number of permits allocated to Northern Ireland operators in:

1971 1972
France 44 143
Germany 11 14
Italy 23 Under Review

Details of journeys between Northern Ireland and the Continent by operators authorised in Great Britain are not readily available.

In the absence of direct roll-on/roll-off ferries between Northern Ireland and the Continent, all such traffic must be indirect.

60. Mr. Maginnis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of his responsibility for granting licences, he will call for a report on the potential expansion of freight transporting facilities directly between Northern Ireland and the Continent.

Mr. Peyton

No.