Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 12 Aug 1936

Vol. 63 No. 19

Committee on Finance. - Vote 63—Posts and Telegraphs.

Mr. Derrig

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim Bhreise ná raghaidh thar £14,700 chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1937, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí Oifig an Aire Puist agus Telegrafa (45 & 46 Vict., c. 74; 8 Edw. VII, c. 48; 1 & 2 Geo. V. c. 26; na hAchtanna Telegrafa, 1863 go 1928, etc.); agus Seirbhísí áirithe eile atá fé riaradh na hOifige sin.

That a Supplementary sum not exceeding £14,700 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1937, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Office of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs (45 & 46 Vict., c. 74; 8 Edw. VII, c. 48; 1 & 2 Geo. V, c. 26; The Telegraph Acts, 1863 to 1928; etc.), and of certain other Services administered by that Office.

This Estimate is for the purpose of making provision for aviation and meteorological wireless services in connection, primarily, with the establishment of transatlantic air services. An outstanding balance will fall to be paid in the current year on the wireless station already provided at Baldonnel for the purpose of the existing cross-channel air services between Dublin and Bristol and Liverpool. The total amount of the Estimate is £14,700, of which £13,900 is proper to the establishment of transatlantic air services and developments arising therefrom. This sum represents the amount that will, it is estimated, be required to cover the cost of the wireless equipment; Customs duty thereon; installation charges; rental of sites, the provision of temporary buildings, the provision of power lines, telegraph and telephone services and operating staff. I think it is well known that wireless is an essential adjunct to air services, especially those involving long distance flights over water.

Mr. Dillon

In regard to this wireless station that is going to be erected for the purpose of serving transatlantic air services, I take it that the radiation from this station will require to be clearly audible in Canada? In that event, is it the intention of our Department of Posts and Telegraphs to establish direct radio telephonic communication between this country and the Continent of America? At the present time I imagine that we use the British installation for that purpose.

Mr. Derrig

I am not in a position to say because that is a matter of Post Office policy, but I will call the Minister's attention to it.

Mr. Dillon

It is clear, however, that this radio installation of ours will be purely our own property, and that it is proposed to erect it pursuant to an undertaking on our part. That would seem to clear the way for our establishing direct radio contact with the United States of America. It would be interesting to know whether the British Post Office have made any representations in connection with that matter. There may be some Geneva treaty regulating postal facilities, but it would make a very great difference indeed if our Post Office were in a position to handle direct telephonic traffic between this country and the United States as it would be a source of very considerable revenue, which must at present be enjoyed by the British Post Office.

Mr. Derrig

So far as I am aware no representations have been made in the matter.

Estimate agreed to.

Estimates reported and agreed to.