asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the total moneys paid to date by way of salaries, fees, expenses or other emoluments to the Chairman-Chief Executive of B & I and Zeus Management arising from their involvement with B & I Company since 1985; if it is intended to renew the contracts of the chairman-chief executive of B & I and Zeus when the present agreement expires next year; when a final decision will be made by the Government on the future of B & I; if his attention has been drawn to the major concessions made by the workers during recent negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - B & I Costs.
14.
The total paid by my Department up to 31 October 1987 in respect of the services provided by Zeus Management Limited to the B & I, is £208,340 excluding VAT. Of the total, £92,686 is recoupable from the B & I in respect of the aggregate cost to the B&I of the employment of a chief executive and the fee normally payable to the Chairman of B & I.
No decision has yet been taken on the question of the renewal of the arrangements with Zeus and with the B & I Chairman and Managing Director.
As to the future of the B & I, I cannot say when a final decision will be taken by the Government. The House will recall that in May, 1987 I directed the B & I Board to submit to me as soon as possible a plan of action for implementation in the Autumn aimed at restoring the company to viability. A plan was submitted to me two days ago by the Board of the B & I. I am aware of the concessions made by sections of the company's workforce during the recent negotiations. I have, however, to tell the House that the board have informed me that they are unable to recommend implementation of the plan in the absence of agreement with the union representing marine officers and that they have instructed management to seek such agreement as a matter of urgency. I understand that further negotiations last evening between the B & I management and the union concerned failed to resolve the problem.
Deputies will appreciate that it would be premature for me to make any further statement about the future of the B & I at this stage.