asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the following rates for road parcels express services were in operation up to 30th November, 1934:—J. Wallis and Sons, Ltd. (Motorways), 11lbs. 20 miles 9d.; 40 miles 9d.; 80 miles 9d.; 21lbs. 20 miles 1/3; 40 miles 1/6; 80 miles 1/8; if the Minister is aware that a new scale of charges has been issued by the Great Southern Railways (Road Parcels Express Service) coming into force on 1st December, 1934, as follows:—11lbs. 20 miles 1/4; 40 miles 1/4; 80 miles 1/4; 21lbs. 20 miles 2/2; 40 miles 2/8; 80 miles 2/11; and if the Government are aware that this increase imposes a crushing burden on industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increase in Parcel Service Rates.
I understand that the particulars given as to rates for parcels carried by road by the Great Southern Railways Company are correct. The railway company state that the rates in operation up to 30th November were unremunerative. The settlement of a schedule of charges for merchandise carried by road by railway companies is a matter for the Railway Tribunal under the Road Transport Act, 1933. The Act provides that any person interested shall have an opportunity of being heard by the Tribunal when any proposed changes are under consideration.
Is the Minister satisfied that the benefit of the uneconomic rates previous to 30th November was passed on by the traders to the consumers? Is he also aware that the absorbed company paid its drivers at the rate of 30/- a week for 72 hours, and that the present company is paying its drivers at the rate of 60/- per week, with overtime at the rate of 1/6 per hour; and will he take these things into consideration before making up his mind as to the justice of this matter?
I have already done that.
Is the Minister aware that the railway company increased its rates by 50 per cent. since they took over the buses?
I refer the Deputy to Deputy Davin's supplementary.