asked the Minister for Defence if he is yet in a position to state whether the oil storage tanks at Haulbowline are intended to be used for the purpose of servicing the corvettes of the Irish Naval Service or for any other purpose.

Following the notification by Cork Harbour Oil Wharves, Ltd., of their intention of terminating, with effect from May, 1952, their tenancy of the property leased to them at Haulbowline, the whole question of the future use of the oil storage tanks, including the bunkering of the corvettes, is under consideration.

Is it true that the Department of Defence intends taking over this storage for their own use?

It is under consideration.

If the Department takes over the storage, it will mean the deprivation of storage for commercial use and for the bunkering of vessels. That would mean depriving Cork Port of trade.

Is the Deputy suggesting they should not take them over?

Not solely for defence purposes.

Has the Deputy any suggestion to make that there are any commercial people who would take them over? We would be glad if they would.

We will see that they will.