§ Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with trade union representatives, management and Northern Ireland hon. Members concerning the proposed closure of the P and 0 Liverpool to Belfast ferry.
§ (2) what companies have had discussions with his Department concerning the possible retention of the Liverpool to Belfast ferry.
§ Mr. David Mitchell: The meeting took place on 21 October. The deputation urged the Government to intervene financially to save the existing service, in view of the importance of this link between the two cities. I made it clear that the decision to close had been taken by the operator on commercial grounds and that, while I regretted it, I had to accept it. I also made it clear that it was against Government policy to subsidise commercial shipping interests. I described the efforts being made by Government to interest other companies in the route and emphasised that, apart from normal safety factors, there were no licensing requirements to be met by a prospective operator. I expressed the hope that the ferry link between Belfast and Liverpool would soon be re-established on a commercial basis.
§ Discussions between my Department and companies interested in the Liverpool to Belfast ferry service have been on the basis of commercial confidentiality. I cannot therefore divulge their names. They are, of course, free to declare their interest.