HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc128-9W
Mr. Molyneaux

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future of the Birkenhead livestock landing pens.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company has notified my Department that it intends to cease operations at the Mersey Cattle Wharf, Birkenhead, on 31st December this year. A consortium of interest which use the facilities propose to form a company to lease the facilities from the docks company. My Department has provided the consortium with information on the conditions and regulations which would apply to the operation of a landing place for Irish cattle, but no formal application for approval to operate a landing place at Birkenhead has been received.