To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have taken place with private companies regarding reintroducing, a hovercraft link across the Channel. [116237]

None. 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.

To 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]

No 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.