§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make available in the Library documents relating to the acquisition by the British Railways Board of its 60 per cent. holding in James Fisher and Son (Isle of Man) Ltd. and include therewith a list at the date of acquisition of the company's assets and liabilities;
(2) when the contract for the British Railways Board to acquire a 60 per cent. holding in James Fisher and Son (Isle of Man) Ltd. was signed.
§ Mr. William RodgersI announced on 29 November 1978—[Vol. 959, c. 255]—my consent to the participation by the British Railways Board in the operation of the Manx Line service from Heysham to Douglas, as a joint venture with James Fisher and Sons Ltd. The formal contract for the acquisition by the Board of a 60 per cent. interest in the equity shareholding of the holding company for Manx74W Line and for the operation of the service is at present being drawn up; but it has not yet been signed. Prospects for the service are good and the acquisition should prove to be a sound investment by the Board and represents astute management on their behalf. I am afraid I cannot accede to the hon. Member's request to make available documents relating to the acquisition, which contain commercially confidential information of the Railways Board.