asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the m.v. Meath, the property of B & I and primarily used for cattle shipments, is lying in Morpeth Dock, Liverpool; and if he will state why the ship is not operational.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - B & I Vessel
8.
I am informed by the B & I that the m.v. Meath is the vessel which they set aside specially for the carriage of livestock from this country. Due to the fact that the numbers of cattle shipped from this country this year has declined and because the livestock trade have preferred to ship the reduced numbers of cattle on other services the capacity afforded by this vessel has not been availed of. As a result, the vessel has lain idle at Birkenhead since end March, 1973.
Can this vessel be put to any other use? It seems to be unusual, to say the least of it, that it should be allowed to lie up as it is doing.
I suppose it could, but I think there is a hope of improvement in the cattle trade and there is hope of utilising it then. This is one of the vessels specially built for the carriage of cattle and it would cost some money to convert it for ordinary cargo transportation. I presume they hope to get an improved cattle trade which will allow them to use this ship rather than spend money on converting it. If they do not get the cattle trade they will then convert it for ordinary use.