Written question asked by Peter Duncan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 June 2003. It was answered by Lord Darling of Roulanish (Labour) on Thursday, 19 June 2003 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions her Department has had with (a) P & O and (b) Stena Line on the employment implications of a merger on the North Channel crossing from Loch Ryan ports to Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions her Department has had with (a) P & O and (b) Stena Line on the employment implications of a merger on the North Channel crossing from Loch Ryan ports to Northern Ireland. [115811] Mr. Darling: In May 2003, P & O and Stena Line announced proposals affecting other Irish Sea ferry services but retaining separate services on their routes out of Loch Ryan to Larne and Belfast. Stena Line also announced at the same time that an earlier loch had been superseded by a proposal for joint operation of expanded port facilities at Cairnryan. My Department has not had any discussions with the companies.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 115811; 407 c399W;407 c400W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Competition Employment Ferries Northern Ireland Mergers Scotland Irish Sea P&O Ferries Stena Line Port of Cairnryan Stranraer Port
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk