asked the Minister for Transport and Power the implications for Irish farmers of the B & I line and British Rail link-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
13.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Channel Livestock Transport.
12.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give details of the recently announced link-up between the B & I line and British Rail to provide improved cross-channel livestock transport; and whether he is satisfied that the new arrangement will provide adequate services.
: With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 13 together.
Following prolonged negotiations between the B & I Company and British Rail, the companies have arrived at a basis for agreement on a scheme of rationalisation of the companies' shipping facilities for the cross-channel cattle trade.
The two companies, acting as a consortium, intend to set up an operating company to operate four livestock vessels and the cattle lairages at Dublin, Holyhead and Heysham. The agreement will run for a period of five years and will then be subject to review and possible extension for a further five years, that is to say, until 1980. The managing board of the operating company will comprise two representatives of the cattle trade, with representatives of the B & I Company and British Rail. Scheduled services will be provided on the Dublin/Holyhead and Dublin/Heysham routes.
The main objectives of the agreement are reasonable stability of freight rates and long-term stability of services for the cross-channel cattle trade. The agreement provides a continuing guarantee of substantial B & I participation in the trade. The company accumulated losses of £376,000 in the period 1967 to 1969 on their cross-channel livestock operations and they expect that, under the proposed agreement, these losses will be eliminated.
The agreement will enable the Irish cattle trade, for the first time, to have a voice in the service and in determination of freight rates. It carries the assurance that exporters will have a guaranteed service to the ports of Holyhead and Heysham until 1975 at least. At the same time, the agreement will enable the B & I and British Rail to formulate definite plans for the continuance of their services beyond that date.
The shipping services operated by private shipping companies for the cross-channel cattle trade will in no way be affected by the proposed agreement.
Is the Minister aware that there has been grave dissatisfaction for the past three or four years on the part of members of the cattle trade because of the transport facilities available? Can the Minister now assure us that we will have a more efficient and up-to-date service for the next few years?
That is so, yes.
Would the Minister agree that centralisation of livestock shipping through Dublin could be detrimental to the trade since, if there were a strike in Dublin, cattle exports would have to be suspended? Would the Minister not agree that a second port in the south of Ireland would be a better proposition in the long run, even if only from the point of view of security?
I do not think this ties in in any way with the two questions I was asked.
It is a separate question.
What steps will be taken to provide for adequate shipment after 1975?
I outlined that. Preparations are being made for the following five year period and the prospects for the period after 1975 are, I think, quite bright.
Does the Minister consider there may be need to lay down new ships? The existing ships are reaching the end of their lives.
Present plans envisage the provision of additional ships.