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3.11 Deputy S. Power of St. Brelade of the Minister for Economic Development regarding tariffs and charges for non-commercial freight:
Would the Minister confer with Condor Ferries Limited and seek clarification on the recently changed tariff policy on its online booking site, in particular how charges for non-commercial freight are levied in (a) 2013 compared to 2012 and (b) compared to charges on commercial freight, whether a clear list of tariffs for non-commercial freight may be published on the website to assist the travelling public, especially for recreational vehicles and I am referring to motor homes, vans that are not used for commercial vehicles, boat trailers, luggage trailers, motorbike trailers and so on.
Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):
This matter has already been referred to Condor Ferries and I have received a comprehensive reply from the new Chief Executive. In summary, the changes were made in the way non- commercial freight is charged in March 2012. I understand the changes were attempting to reflect the space required by larger vehicles in comparison to the opportunity cost of another car filling that space on a per metre basis. I am also informed that there has been stricter administration of pre-existing rules to prevent ferries being over capacity when if the rules were being adhered to, there would be sufficient space to accommodate all vehicles. The new Chief Executive Officer of Condor accepts that better communication is required and I am told that the company has started an initiative to improve the navigation and transparency of the website and to ensure that prices are fair and more transparent. I am also more than happy to make the full reply that I have received from Condor Ferries available to the Deputy .
3.11.1 Deputy S. Power:
I thank the Minister for the content of his answer and I will supply to the Minister a sheaf of quotes from the online website. I am glad to hear that the Minister has had this commitment from Condor. Can he tell us when this will happen because at the moment the online price for a 5-metre trailer has jumped to £78.52 per metre from £10 per metre in 2012. Could he give me an indication as to his preferred timescale as distinct from Condor's and what he is likely to do about it?
Senator A.J.H. Maclean:
The new Chief Executive of Condor has only just, in fact, taken up his post. I have only just met him in the last 10 days. I am sure, certainly from the response that I have had, that it is a matter that is going to receive his full and early attention and I would hope that there is clear clarification on the website for passengers in short order and I am happy to keep the Deputy informed on progress.