§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Transport, in view of the further delay in the opening of the Humber Bridge, what steps he will take to ensure that passengers using the ferry from New Holland to Hull will be assured of a safe, reliable and efficient service.
§ Mr. HoramThe reliability and efficiency of this service are matters for the British Railways Board and I understand it has given public assurances that it will maintain it until the bridge opens. Marine safety is a matter for my 329W right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade, but we are assured that all aspects relating to the safety of the vessel are considered by the Department of Trade's surveyors when inspecting the ship before any renewal of its yearly passenger certificate.