Does the Minister agree that while the advantages of shorter sea crossings are self-evident, there is a strong case to be made, particularly for passenger services, for crossings between ports that are close to the main centres of population? Does he further agree that it would be in the interests of the Northern Ireland economy as well as of my constituency to restore the traditional link between Belfast and Ardrossan? May we have an assurance in principle that if proposals to restore such a service, which I believe may be in the offing, come to the Northern Ireland Office, they will receive a positive response?