Andrew Turner is in contact with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in the Isle of Man to discuss his campaign to secure a full investigation into the Island’s ferry services. The Island’s MP left a message on the website of Isle of Man Newspapers who publish three newspapers saying he would welcome any information or experiences that might prove useful. He has since received useful comments on his website (www.IslandMP.org) from a number of Manx residents. He is also in contact with the Isle of Man OFT who are currently carrying out an investigation into fuel surcharges introduced by the Steam Packet Company who operate the only ferry services between Island, the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Steam Packet Company was purchased by Australian Investment Bank, Macquarie in 2005 a few months after it purchased Wightlink. The Chairman of the Manx OFT, Bill Henderson is also contacting the OFT in London.

Mr Turner said:
“I was very interested to hear from Manx residents about their experiences and look forward to seeing if information from the them can help persuade the OFT that we need a full market investigation. Whilst there are many differences in the ferry services between the two Islands – there are also similarities, one being that Macquarie appear to have paid very high prices in relation to turnover for both the Steam Packet and Wightlink. We can only guess the reasons why - but I believe it must have an upward impact on prices.’

A Select Committee of the Tynwald, the Parliament of the Isle of Man recently produced a report which raised concerns about the Steam Packet’s 'excessive' profits, high freight charges and confusion over discounted fares, all matters which Mr Turner says he has received comments about from Islanders.

Mr Turner added
‘Market investigations are typically quite expensive and it may be that the British and Manx OFT could save some money by talking to each other. One of the matters that the OFT will take into consideration is that they may find that aspects of this study could help them in approaching other areas of their work – so I hope that a possible tie-up with the Isle of Man may give a boost to our chances of a full market investigation. I think this is an exciting development and I hope our two Island communities might be able to help each other in this – after all we are both dependent on the ferries.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808