Brexit: No-deal Ferry Contracts Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Transport
Baroness Smith of Newnham
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Brexit: No-deal Ferry Contracts
Baroness Smith of Newnham Excerpts(5 years ago)
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Baroness Vere of Norbiton
It would be inappropriate for me to commit to that at this time, but I am sure that the Government are listening.
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
My Lords, the Minister suggested that the legal advice gave flexibility. If that is the case, why was there not the flexibility to roll over these contracts in case there is a no-deal scenario on 31 October? Surely that is what flexibility should have offered.
Baroness Vere of Norbiton
I was trying to get across to noble Lords the complexity of the maritime market. Flexibility is possible, but it is not unlimited. For example, DFDS had to charter new vessels from very far away to fulfil these contracts. Other vessels had to be reconfigured. Those vessels will now need to go back to what they were beforehand to take on passengers. The noble Baroness looks incredulous, but the contract offered extremely good value to the taxpayer.