§ 19. Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to compensate those who will lose their jobs on Rathlin island when the new ferry service is introduced. [20427]
§ Mr. MossIt is my understanding that the vessels presently operating the Rathlin ferry service are crewed by their owners and their families. Our legal advice is that there is no liability for compensation for loss of business as neither is viable without the subsidy which we have paid since 1991. When the new service commences, probably in November 1996, opportunities will be created for a number of jobs, both full and part-time, and those presently involved with the ferry service will be able to compete for them.