asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware that Gulf Oil intend to transfer supplies of crude oil presently held in storage in Bantry, and if he has held any discussions with the company with a view to clarifying their future plans.

An examination of the possibilities of removing quantities of crude oil from the Gulf Oil terminal at Bantry has been undertaken in association with Gulf Oil representatives but consideration of the matter is still at a preliminary stage. It will be necessary to carry out more detailed examination of all the factors involved, including safety and pollution considerations and possible interference with the salvage operations being conducted at Whiddy, before final conclusions can be reached.

Has the Minister any view on this proposal to transfer oil from there?

It is a matter that is under consideration. It is clearly less urgent now than it would have been, say, two weeks ago.

How long does the Minister anticipate it will take before some arrangement is made in this regard?

I do not know, From our point of view it may not be necessary to make any arrangement in that regard now.

And never was. It was never desirable and the Minister panicked in making the announcement.

Am I correct in saying that the Minister told us earlier today that ten days of our reserves are actually tied up there? Can he comment on what use these reserves are to us unless they are accessible?

They can be made accessible within a relatively short time if we need them, but I do not want to draw on the reserves unless it is necessary to do so.

Where will they be refined?

Perhaps some of them at Whitegate or in Europe—Wales, Northern France or somewhere such as that.

And what price will be charged for this?

That is a matter that would arise only if it was decided to take a lot of oil.

And not a part of the reserves of other countries, I presume?

No, these are more of the criminals now who are interfering with our oil situation.

12.