asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he can give an estimate of the losses sustained in the operation of Aer Lingus, Teoranta; Aer Rianta, Teoranta, and Aerlínte Éireann for the year ending 31st March, 1948.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Companies' Losses.
The position in respect of each of the companies is as follows:—
Aer Rianta, Teoranta: Estimates furnished by the company in January, 1948, indicated that losses for the year ended 31st March, 1948, would amount to £14,000, of which £8,000 represented the general administrative expenses of the company and £6,000 represented the loss on the operation of the company's charter hire service.
Aer Lingus, Teoranta: Estimates furnished in January, 1948, indicated that losses for the year ended 31st March, 1948, would amount to £647,000. Of this amount, £332,000 would fall to be met by Aer Rianta, Teoranta, and the balance by the British shareholders— British Overseas Airways Corporation and British European Airways Corporation.
Aerlínte Éireann, Teoranta: Estimates furnished by the company in January, 1948, indicated that expenditure on training and development preliminary to the proposed inauguration of a transatlantic service, for the period up to 31st March, 1948, would amount to £504,000. This figure includes provision for all non-capital expenditure by the company and covers training, salaries and wages, advertising, proving flights and depreciation on aircraft.
Arising out of the Minister's reply and in view of the figures given by the Minister, will the Minister consider setting up an independent committee of investigation for the purpose of allaying public uneasiness that may arise with regard to those figures, and with a view also to ensuring that future aerial development in this country will not be impeded, such committee to report back to the Minister and to this House?
I will bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind.