asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the very heavy losses sustained in the operation of Shannon Airport, he will take steps to raise at the forthcoming conference of the International Civil Aviation Organisation the question of securing contributions from all air line operators flying the North Atlantic towards the cost of maintaining Shannon Airport and the various meteorological services made available from Shannon to such air lines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Airport Services.
This country has always pressed the view with the International Civil Aviation Organisation that international air transport should pay in full for the facilities which it uses. At our instance the organisation has undertaken a study of this question. I am satisfied that this study is being carried out with reasonable speed and I have no reason to anticipate that it will be necessary to raise the matter at this year's session of the organisation's assembly.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the total loss incurred in the operation of Shannon Airport and meteorological services connected therewith in thefinancial year ended on the 31st March last.
Final figures in respect of expenditure at Shannon Airport for the year ended 31st March, 1953, will not be available until the Appropriation Account is closed. On the basis of the approximate figures available, however, it is estimated that the operating deficit, excluding meteorological services, was about £74,000. The approximate cost of the meteorological services was £90,000.