Woolwich Ferry (Hansard, 15 January 1988)

§ Mr. Cartwright
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many scheduled crossings have been lost on the Woolwich ferry since 1 April 1987.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
Too many. Up to 13 January, about 25,000 crossings have been lost.

§ Mr. Cartwright
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the London borough of Greenwich about the future operation of the Woolwich ferry; and with what outcome.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
The Department continues to be in regular contact with the London borough of Greenwich. A substantial improvement in service should be achieved if the package of measures arising from the management review is agreed by the work force.

§ Mr. Cartwright
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he received the final report of the consultants on the future operation of the Woolwich ferry; and what action he has taken or intends to take on its recommendations.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
As I told the hon. Member on 30 October,Official Report, column 484, we received the consultant's final report last July. A package of measures based on the recommendations has been put to the ferrymen and their representatives by the London borough of Greenwich. Negotiations are continuing.