asked the Minister of Transport what steps have been taken to give effect to those recommendations of Part 3 of the Ferries Report which do not require legislation.

None, Sir. I am still considering these recommendations in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Scotland.

As these recommendations have now been considered for something over a year, could my right hon. Friend say when some action is likely to result?

I would remind my hon. Friend that when the Ferries Committee was appointed I made it quite clear that it was for the purpose of gaining information, and not with a view of indicating widespread immediate Government action, because there was no information available about these ferries. However, certain recommendations have emerged which might be put into operation without legislation, and they are receiving examination.