asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement upon the effect of the withdrawal of ships from Cork Harbour by the United States Lines; and if he will give details of such steps as have been taken by the Government to retain, or achieve the resumption of, this shipping line's activities in Cork Harbour.

As soon as I saw the statements in the public press about the withdrawal of the United States Lines passenger vessel "America" from the transatlantic service, I asked our Embassy in the United States to make further inquiries in the matter and to make representations to the company in an effort to secure the retention or replacement of the vessel on the route. I cannot yet say whether these representations will bear fruit.

I could not hear the reply.

We could not hear the reply. We are very interested in the content of it.

I will allow the Minister to repeat the reply to Question No. 25.

As soon as I saw the statements in the public press about the withdrawal of the United States Lines passenger vessel "America" from the transatlantic service I asked our Embassy in the United States to make further enquiries in the matter and to make representations to the Company in an effort to secure the retention or replacement of the vessel on the route. I cannot yet say whether these representations will bear fruit.