§ 18. Mr. FLAVINasked the Postmaster-General whether there is in Ballybunion, North Kerry, at the mouth of the Shannon, a large wireless station under Government control; whether there is no telephonic or telegraphic communication between Ballybunion and Tralee, which is the nearest military headquarters; and whether he will take immediate steps to have the telephone system extended from Tralee to Ballybunion via Listowel, which is only about thirty miles?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe wireless station at Ballybunion belongs to the Universal Radio Syndicate; and, although it is being worked experimentally by the syndicate subject to Government control, it is not used for Government purposes. Telegraphic communication is possible between Ballybunion and Tralee by way of Limerick and Cork. There is no reason, so far as the public wireless telegraph service is concerned, why the telephone system should be extended to Ballybunion.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a telegram going from Ballybunion to Tralee has to go via Cork and Limerick and very often takes three-quarters of an hour? Inasmuch as this is the largest wireless station in the United Kingdom under military control, would it not be advisable to have direct telephonic communication between the station and the military headquarters?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have not seen the station, but so far as my information goes it is not a very important station. It is only being worked experimentally.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this station controls the mouth of the Shannon?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI confess I was not aware of that.