[FONT="]Transport Minister Norman Baker said:[/FONT]
[FONT="]"We recognise the importance of a sea connection, both for passengers and freight between Penzance and St Mary's. However, we have made the decision that we cannot support the allocation of over £35m of departmental funds (£62m of public money in total) for a scheme that is very poor value for money, particularly at this time of fiscal stringency. [/FONT]
[FONT="]"The Department believes the scheme proposed by Cornwall Council goes beyond what is necessary to maintain services and is concerned the cost of both the boat and the harbour works have risen by 50% since 2007. [/FONT]
[FONT="]"We hope the Local Authority will take this opportunity to work with the operators, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and other key stakeholders to develop a simpler, lower cost solution." [/FONT]
[FONT="]"We recognise the importance of a sea connection, both for passengers and freight between Penzance and St Mary's. However, we have made the decision that we cannot support the allocation of over £35m of departmental funds (£62m of public money in total) for a scheme that is very poor value for money, particularly at this time of fiscal stringency. [/FONT]
[FONT="]"The Department believes the scheme proposed by Cornwall Council goes beyond what is necessary to maintain services and is concerned the cost of both the boat and the harbour works have risen by 50% since 2007. [/FONT]
[FONT="]"We hope the Local Authority will take this opportunity to work with the operators, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and other key stakeholders to develop a simpler, lower cost solution." [/FONT]