Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ferry Services Between England and Wales

Wednesday 24 May 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The tourism industry in south Wales and south-west England is incredibly important
  • Councils on both sides of the Bristol channel are in discussions to progress ferry services
  • A passenger ferry service between Ilfracombe and south Wales could be beneficial to businesses

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Selaine Saxby
Transport Local Government
Context

The MP is concerned about the potential economic benefits of ferry services in connecting south Wales and south-west England, particularly for tourism.

Question

Whether his Department is taking steps to support potential ferry services between England and Wales. The tourism industry in these regions is crucial, and councils are discussing how to progress this issue.

Answer from James Davies

The tourism industry in south Wales and south-west England is incredibly important. I understand that councils on both sides of the Bristol channel are in discussions on how to progress this issue. I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss it in more detail.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting potential ferry services was not directly addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Economy Transport Wales
Context

The MP seeks an analysis to support a potential ferry service between Ilfracombe and south Wales, aiming to benefit local businesses.

Question

Ahead of that meeting, might my hon. Friend be able to secure an analysis of a passenger ferry service and the benefits to businesses between Ilfracombe and south Wales?

Answer from James Davies

It is important that we grasp all opportunities to level up our economy through tourism. That could include a passenger ferry between Ilfracombe and south Wales. Many of the policy levers affecting the visitor economy in Wales are devolved. It is important that interested parties work closely with the relevant councils on the matter. The UK Government are passionate about tourism, unlike the Welsh Government, who seem more focused on putting in place a tourism tax.

Not addressed: The specific ask for securing an analysis was not addressed directly; instead, it included criticism of the devolved government and discussion about policy levers being devolved.

How: Changed Subject To Criticism Of The Welsh Government

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