asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is any control over the fixing of fares chargeable by road transport undertakings; and, if so, what is the nature of it: whether he is aware that certain undertakers have increased their passenger fares substantially during the last few years; and if he will state whether these increases were approved by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Transport Charges.
The maximum fares chargeable in respect of passenger road transport services are prescribed by regulations made by me under the Road Transport Act, 1932. I am not aware that there has been any general substantial increase in passenger road transport fares during the last few years. I am aware, however, that in connection with a slight increase in railway fares which came into operation on 1st January, 1938, some minor adjustments of omnibus fares were effected. These adjustments were downwards in some cases and upwards in others, and were intended mainly to establish a uniform basis of charge on all routes. In every case the revised fare is within the statutory maximum chargeable.