asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the statement of the Chairman of the British and Irish Steampacket Company in Liverpool on the 22nd instant foreshadowed the early chartering of additional vessels for the cross-Channel trade; whether the number of such vessels can be indicated; whether a date has yet been fixed for the building of new tonnage; and whether preference will be given to Irish shipyards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - B and I Vessels.
9.
Mr. O'Leary
The acquisition and charter of vessels to meet the requirements of the company's trade are the responsibility of the Board of B & I.
I am informed by the Board that they have taken no decision so far to build new vessels but it would be their policy to have their vessels built at Irish shipyards whenever it is feasible and economic to do so. The company at present own nine vessels and have five on charter. The number and size of vessels on charter may be altered from time to time according to traffic demands.