§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will discuss with his French counterpart the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry service;
(2) what steps he is taking to secure the resumption and long-term future of the Newhaven-Dieppe ferry service.
§ Mr. McloughlinThe Newhaven-Dieppe ferry service has been suspended because of an industrial dispute between French seamen and the Sealink ferry company. Commercial negotiations are under way to resolve the dispute and the French authorities have appointed a mediator. It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to seek to become involved at this stage. We are, however, monitoring the situation closely.