§ Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the proposed closure of the P and O Liverpool to Belfast ferry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Mitchell [pursuant to his reply, 21 October 1981]: In addition to discussions with P and O management and the relevant trade unions, my right hon. Friend and I have received representations from a wide cross section of commercial and community interests including the hon. Members for Antrim, North (Rev, Ian Paisley), Belfast, South (Mr. Bradford), Belfast, West (Mr. Fitt), the Belfast city council and the Merseyside county council.
§ P and O Ferries has told me that it intends to terminate the service on 11 November unless the Government accept full responsibility for it. The Government appreciate the importance attached to the Belfast to Liverpool ferry service both as a convenient passenger and commercial route to England and as a tourist gateway to Northern Ireland. We would therefore wish to see the service continue. But it is not Government policy to subsidise commercial shipping interests. The Government are, however, pursuing urgently contacts with a number of alternative potential operators who have expressed a positive interest in taking over the service.