asked the Minister for Transport and Power what progress has been made in planning the re-equipment of the B & I line with ships; whether the policy of chartering foreign ships for this company's operation is looked on as a temporary expedient or considered likely to be a long-term necessity; the number, tonnage and crew numbers of ships at present under charter by the B & I line; and the total balance sheet at the latest available date of these chartering operations.
Written Answers. - B & I Company.
138.
The acquisition of vessels by the B & I Company is primarily the concern of the Board of the company. Considerable progress has been made by the company in planning its equipment and vessel needs but final decisions have not yet been reached.
To cope with the expansion of the unit load business, two German vessels have been chartered on a two-year basis. The company expects that operation of these vessels will give the necessary experience for future decisions regarding ships. Chartering of these two vessels is, therefore, a short term expedient.
At present, the company has in all four vessels on time charter totalling 4,749 tons deadweight, with a total crew complement of 43.
It will not be feasible to calculate a definitive profit and loss account of these chartered ships' operations until the annual accounts become available.
139.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what possibilities he and the management of the B & I see in the employment by the line of hovercraft or hydrofoil vessels during the tourist season; if any studies are being made of these possibilities; and, if so, where they are being made, and by whom.
The company is continually assessing the suitability of new modes of transport particularly in the hovercraft/hydrofoil field. Recently a preliminary study was done for the company by a hovercraft manufacturer. The company considers that the operation of hovercraft or hydrofoils in the present stage of their development is not feasible in Irish Sea conditions. The development of these craft is also kept under review in my Department.