asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the present position of the transport services with particular reference to the supplies of coal available to the railway companies, and the condition and adequacy of their rolling stock; the supplies of petrol available for the use of the road transport undertakings and the condition and adequacy of their vehicles; and the arrangements which have been made to maintain essential passenger and goods services to satisfy the minimum requirements of the public, including the transportation of home supplies of beet, fuel and cereals to the large centres of population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies for Railway Companies.
Certain adjustments of the transport services have been necessary in consequence of a reduction of fuel supplies. Every effort is, however, being made by the Department of Supplies to ensure sufficient supplies of coal, fuel, oil and petrol to enable transport services to be maintained on the present scale. The principal features of the alterations in services have been the abandonment of passenger trains of a special character, and of special omnibus and motor coach services; and metropolitan omnibus services cease to run at a somewhat earlier hour at night than usual.
I have had no indication that the condition and adequacy of railway rolling stock and road vehicles have yet been unduly affected by the war, and, while my estimate of future supplies must necessarily be conjectural, I have at present no reason to anticipate that the minimum passenger and goods services will not be maintained.
Will the Minister say whether it is contemplated that there will be any further curtailment of railway services because of the supply position in respect of fuel?
It is not a matter of contemplation: it is a matter of hope. I hope there will not be any curtailment.
Can the Minister give any indication that coal will be available to the railway companies so as to avoid the abnormal delays in passenger trains which occur at present?
So far as my Department is concerned and so far as I can exercise control over the quantity of coal that will be available to the railway companies, we will endeavour to maintain the present services, but if the supply of coal should fall further, it might be necessary to curtail the services. I hope it will not be necessary to do so.
Has the Minister any information about, or does he take any interest in, the services operated by the railway company or the average delays to passenger, and perishable goods trains?
Certainly.
What action has he taken as a result?
What action does the Deputy think I should take?
Do not make things worse.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister in a position now to make any recommendations regarding the success of the Drumm train, which we believe went to the rescue of other trains and pushed them up a hill? In view of that, is there any possibility of increasing the Drumm services?
I would require notice of that question.
Mr. Byrne
It is true that the Drumm train pushed another up a hill.
It would not be the first time the Drumm train had been pushed up one itself.