HC Deb 02 March 1994 vol 238 c784W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what feasibility study has been carried out on the effect on Scottish trade levels with eastern Europe of the introduction of a direct ferry link from Scotland to the mainland of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 25 February 1994]: I understand that a study has been carried out on behalf of Scottish Enterprise with a view to establishing the feasibility and likely impact of a direct ferry service between Scotland and mainland Europe. The study team was not given a specific remit to consider the effect on trade levels with eastern Europe, but I understand that the direct impact of such a service alone would be likely to be minimal.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what feasibility study has been carried out into the effect of transport costs to Scottish industry if Rosyth was developed as a direct ferry link to Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 25 February 1994]: I understand that a study has been carried out on behalf of Scottish Enterprise with a view to establishing the feasibility and likely impact of a direct ferry service between Scotland and mainland Europe. The study did not focus specifically on Rosyth; the choice of ports between which a service would operate would be for any potential operator to determine.

The study concluded that the introduction of a direct ferry service would give only a minor direct cost advantage to transport operators. The major benefit to Scottish industry would be in terms of the increased flexibility which the availability of alternative routing would provide.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what feasibility study has been commissioned into developing ferry links from Rosyth to the continent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 25 February 1994]: I understand that a study has been carried out on behalf of Scottish Enterprise with a view to establishing the feasibility and likely impact of a direct ferry service between Scotland and mainland Europe. The study did not focus specifically on Rosyth; the choice of ports between which a service would operate would be for any potential operator to determine.

The study highlighted difficulties which might arise from the seasonal nature of tourism traffic to Scotland, but concluded that such a service was potentially viable. Scottish Enterprise is currently exploring the possibility of attracting an operator.