asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether it has yet been decided to erect an extension to the wharf in Cobh, and if he is aware that, should a sufficient depth of water be obtainable there, the cable company would make Cobh their headquarters for bunkering and other purposes.

The question of extending the jetty at present under construction at Haulbowline so as to give a minimum depth alongside of 31 feet of water is under consideration.

I understand that there is a good prospect that the headquarters of the transatlantic cable repair ships would be moved to the Cork area if the necessary oil bunkering facilities for the ships were available.