asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the representations made to the Government of the United States of America against their proposal to withdraw their weather ships from the Atlantic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of U.S.A. Weather Ships.
I have not caused any representations to be made to the Government of the United States of America against the proposal to withdraw their weather ships from the Atlantic. I do not consider it would be appropriate that such representations should be made as the arrangement for the maintenance of these ships was made at meetings sponsored by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and I propose to await the consideration of the matter by that organisation.
Surely the Minister must realise that the proposed withdrawal of these weather ships will involve inconvenience and loss for this country?
The main advantage secured from the operation of these ships is to companies operating transatlantic air services and unfortunately we are not in that position.
Is it not true that we are spending between £300,000 and £400,000 a year to maintain very substantial conveniences at Shannon Airport for American transatlantic airlines and if a small country like this can make that liberal contribution to the safety of transatlantic travel, surely the United States might be asked to make their contribution bymaintaining these weather ships which, in some degree, help us to operate Shannon Airport for the general safety of transatlantic aeroplanes.
The International Air Transport Association which represents the airlines has issued a statement indicating that it is not unduly concerned about the suggestion that these weather ships should be withdrawn.
Is it not a fact that we contribute at least £1,000 towards the cost of these weather ships?
We have made a token contribution of £1,000 towards the operation of the scheme.
And £3,000 or £4,000 for the transatlantic airport.