asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it has been decided that the carriage of passengers on the flight of the aircraft St. Kevinon 10th January, 1952, from London to Dublin, was International Carriage for the purposes of Article 1 of the First Schedule to the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1936.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it has been decided that this country is a high contracting party within the meaning of Section 17 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1936.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it has been decided that this country was a high contracting party for the purpose of Section 17 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1936, on 10th January, 1952, when the aircraft St. Kevincrashed.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 15 together.

The interpretation of legislation is a function of the courts and, as far as I am aware, the matters referred to in the Deputy's questions have not been before the courts.

Is the Minister aware that Aer Lingus have denied liability in respect of this crash?

I am not prepared to make any statement on that subject.

Is the Minister aware that Aer Lingus have at the moment denied liability in respect of this crash?

If the Deputy is referring to some matter that is going to come before the courts it is most improper to ask me to make a statement.

I am asking the Minister concerning the extent of his information.

I am refusing to answer the Deputy's question.

Having regard to the fact that we propose instituting a transatlantic air service, what steps does the Minister propose to take——

Is not this matter likely to come before the courts?

I do not know.