asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that (a) numerous road merchandise (existing carriers') licences compulsorily acquired and paid for by certain railway companies in accordance with the provisions of Part V of the Road Transport Act, 1933 (No. 8 of 1933) have been revived by their original owners claiming to operate as merchants or wholesalers carrying their own merchandise; (b) that it is alleged that the owners in question are, in actual practice, carrying for reward the same type of traffic for the same people on the same routes as formerly, notwithstanding the purchase of their rights in this connection by the railway companies referred to; (c) if he has received representations from any source on the subject; and (d) whether he proposes to introduce amending proposals for legislation with the object of ensuring that the intentions of the Oireachtas are given effect to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Transport.
No merchandise licences transferred under Part V of the Road Transport Act, 1933, have been revived by the original licensees. I am aware of the allegations that in certain cases the merchandise road transport businesses authorised by such licences have been carried on in the manner indicated in the question, but these allegations have not been supported by proof that such persons were, in fact, carrying for reward. Representations on the subject have been made to me by the railway companies, and the position resulting from evasions of existing road transport legislation is at present under consideration.