§ Lord FERRIERasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the high cost in terms of motor fuel, environmental pollution, road maintenance and vehicle wear and tear, and the potential capital expenditure involved on the notorious A.75 road, they have examined the possibility of reopening the Heysham-Belfast ferry service to carry freight to and from England, thereby obviating the costly outlay on A.75 improvements; and if so what has been the result of such examination.
§ Baroness STEDMANNo such examination is necessary. A freight ferry service between Heysham and Belfast has been operated since November 1971. The existence of this ferry has no bearing on the need to improve the quality of the A.75 road in Scotland.