§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have taken place with private companies regarding reintroducing, a hovercraft link across the Channel. [116237]
§ Mr. JamiesonNone. Reintroducing cross-Channel services would be a matter for the judgment of the companies concerned, within the safety and related requirements of the Merchant Shipping Acts.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits of hovercraft travel; and if he will provide assistance to transport companies and allocate funds for the development of hovercraft transport routes. [116238]
§ Mr. JamiesonNo recent assessment has been made of the benefits of hovercraft travel, which would be a matter for the commercial judgement of shipping companies. Hovercraft are regulated for safety and related purposes by the Merchant Shipping Acts.