asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of ships for which contracts were placed on the authority of the Government by Irish Shipping, Limited, between February, 1948, and June, 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Shipping Contracts.
According to the records of my Department, my predecessor was informed early in September, 1950, by the chairman of Irish Shipping, Limited, of the company's intention to place orders for one or two colliers. The company were asked to postpone the placing of these orders as the Government were considering the whole question of the merchant fleet. On 6th October, 1950, the Government decided that two small colliers should be ordered by Irish Shipping, Limited, the cost of the vessels to be defrayed out of the company's own resources. There is no record of any other decision taken, or of approval given, by the Government or sought by the company in regard to the placing of orders for ships by Irish Shipping, Limited, between the dates specified.
In fact, what ships were ordered by Irish Shipping, Limited, between the dates mentioned in the question?
A contract for one new ship was placed between the dates specified. The first information the Department of Industry and Commerce got of that fact was when a newspaper rang up to know if it was true.
Is it not a fact that Irish Shipping, Limited, decided, after consultation with the Department, to place orders for five additional ships— the two colliers and three others?
Irish Shipping, Limited, have a number of contracts for new ships placed. Between the dates mentioned in the question, apart from the two colliers, a contract for one additional ship was placed and it was not done after consultation with the Department. According to the records of my Department, they learned of that decision of the company when the Government Information Bureau, having been contacted by the newspapers, inquired if it was so.
The Minister is aware that Irish Shipping, Limited, can place contracts without consultation with the Department, but is it not a fact that Irish Shipping, Limited, have at present two ships, the colliers the Minister has referred to, building, and, in addition, have placed orders, when berths are available, for three additional ships?
Quite a number of ships are on order now. As between these two dates, the ships ordered were the two colliers of which the Government approved and one ship for which the contract was signed on 11th May.
Is it not a fact that between the dates mentioned Irish Shipping, Limited, have reserved berths, when they become available, for three additional ships, as well as the two colliers?
A contract for two further ships was signed after the date mentioned.
What was the date?
20th June.
And up to June, 1951, they had reserved berths for three additional ships, as well as the colliers?
Is it not now clear not only that no impediment was put in the way of Irish Shipping, Limited, exercising their right to purchase ships but the complaint apparently is that they were told to buy ships and that they got rather belated notice of this fact?
They were not told to buy ships. The statement I made in reply to the question is perfectly accurate. Apart from the two colliers, there is no record of any other decision taken or any approval given by the Government or sought by the company.
Is it not a fact that between the dates mentioned, in addition to the two colliers, Irish Shipping, Limited, have reserved berths, when they become available, for three ships?
They tried three times to get a decision from the Government and failed and, having failed, they placed orders without consulting the Government.
Not in consultation with me, at any rate.
Is it not a fact that they were told not to sell two ships?