HC Deb 28 April 1986 vol 96 c311W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what reductions in pay and conditions for staff employed on the Woolwich ferry have been introduced since he assumed ownership; and what compensation will be made available to make good personal losses;

(2) what guidelines he has issued to the London borough of Greenwich for the operation of the Woolwich ferry in respect of staffing levels, pay rates, working conditions and the level of service to be provided;

(3) how many staff are now employed on the operation of the Woolwich ferry; and how this compares with the size of the work force before he assumed ownership of the ferry;

(4) what reductions in the level of service provided by the Woolwich ferry have been made since he assumed ownership; and whether these are intended to be permanent.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Greenwich borough council has entered into an agency agreement with us to operate the Woolwich ferry. This means that it is responsible for its day-to-day operation including staffing and pay.

I understand that it recruited staff on the basis that terms and conditions should be compatible with those in force locally. It is seeking to resolve some issues this has raised. Ferry staff, like other GLC staff continuing in local government service, may be eligible for detriment payments from the London Residuary Body. Claims they make for such compensation will be impartially examined.

Service and staffing levels remain broadly as before 1 April. An early review of the ferry operation would help this free service run in a way that is fair to the taxpayer as well as to those who use it.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Transport how much money he is making available to the London borough of Greenwich for the operation of the Woolwich ferry during the current year; and how this compares with actual spending on the ferry in 1984–85 and 1985–86.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The budget agreed with Greenwich for 1986–87 is £2,408,530. The GLC's budgeted figures for 1985–86 and 1984–85 were £2,381,000 and £2,014,000 respectively.