Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are for the provision of a Loran C base station in County Kerry; whether its services will be available to fishermen from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland; how the provision of this station will be financed; and whether any financial contribution towards this new service will be required from United Kingdom and Irish Republic fishermen.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe proposals for a north-west European Loran C system currently envisage a new transmitter station in south-west Ireland, but I understand that no site has yet been chosen. The system, if established, would be available for all marine users around the British Isles. Subject to an international agreement being reached, the participating countries would share the cost of establishing and running the system. The United Kingdom's cost-sharing obligations would be a charge against the general lighthouse fund through the light duties levied on shipping, including fishing vessels liable to such dues. The financial obligations of the Republic of Ireland are a matter for the Irish Government, as also is the determination of light dues charges in the Republic.