Andrew Turner the Island’s MP today called for the Island to pull together and make the most of the opportunity to get a full investigation into the Island’s ferry services. He described the announcement last Friday by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that they would be conducting a ‘market survey’ of the ferry services, as ‘a big and important step in the right direction – but only a step’.

The OFT have said that they want to gain further insight into the services with a view to deciding whether or not to refer the matter to the Competition Commission for a full investigation. The last full investigation into Island ferry services took place in 1990 with a report published in 1991.

Mr Turner said:
“It is almost 20 years since the previous investigations took place; much has changed since then including British legislation and European regulations. The ferries obviously have a massive effect on Island life. I firmly believe that we need a full investigation now – otherwise it will be many years before we get another opportunity. The OFT only take forward about 5% of the applications they receive so we have already overcome a massive hurdle – now we need to keep the momentum going.

“The OFT are seeking further evidence on three main issues; whether the market is working well, the prospects for new competition in the market and the importance of the ferries to the Island and its economy. I do urge Islanders and businesses to make sure their views are heard. What may seem obvious to Islanders may not be so apparent to off-Island experts. If you have any comments you wish to make they can be left on my website at www.islandmp.com or you can make a submission to the OFT which should be in a specific format (see guidance at para 16 in the OFT document http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/reports/transport/oft1065reasons.pdf ) ”.

Mr Turner added;
“We are seeking an investigation into the ferry services, this is not a witch hunt against the ferry operators. I do urge anyone who has positive comments to make sure they are also submitted to the OFT so that they can be properly considered.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office