asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Burns and Laird Shipping Company have refused to transport cattle from the port of Sligo; and if, in view of the necessity for direct transport from this port, he will request the Irish Shipping Company to provide vessels to suit the needs of Sligo and the western ports.

I am informed that the monthly sailings provided between the ports of Sligo, Liverpool and Glasgow during the first half of this year by the Burns & Laird Shipping Company have been withdrawn and that the company have stated that the termination of the service is due to lack of support.

Irish Shipping, Limited, have at present no vessel suitable for the livestock trade. At my request, the company have been examining the possibility of participation in the cross-Channel trade generally. This examination is not yet complete. I should say, however, that the shipment of particular cargoes or the provision of services between particular ports would be a matter for arrangement by the interests concerned.