asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any discussions have been held with British shipping interests employed in the cross-Channel trade on the effects of the shipping dispute; whether any special measures are contemplated by the Government; and whether agricultural and industrial interests have been consulted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Shipping Dispute.
4.
Mr. O'Leary
I am keeping the position under close review but it is not clear that there is any action which the Government could usefully take in the matter at present. The Deputy will appreciate that action to divert consignments could well worsen the situation.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the Minister aware that the Stormont Government have a special section of their Cabinet meeting on emergency level to deal with the situation and can he tell us if he and his colleagues hold a similar serious view of the situation and are they doing any more than holding a watching brief?
I am in touch with the Minister for Industry and Commerce and the whole question will be kept under close review. The position will be that the matter will have to be further examined if it should be necessary to make use of such Irish shipping as is available for essential supplies. I am in touch with the Minister for Industry and Commerce in regard to this matter.