asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any representations were made to him by the Great Southern Railways Company subsequent to September 1st, 1939, in regard to the financial condition of the undertaking; whether the company sought the assistance of the Government in an effort to obtain a supply of coal for the undertaking, and, if so, whether he will state the nature of the representations made in the matter and the action taken thereon by the Government.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Financial Position of Railway Company.
No substantial addition has been made since the outbreak of war to the representations which had previously been made in regard to the general financial position of the Great Southern Railways Company's undertaking. As the Deputy is aware, the subject was fully investigated by the Transport Tribunal and the action to be taken on the reports of that tribunal is engaging attention so far as the emergency situation allows. In my capacity as Minister for Supplies, I am in constant touch with the railway company with reference to their coal supply and the company has on occasion sought my assistance in overcoming difficulties which have arisen for them. The matter has been taken up frequently with the appropriate authority in the United Kingdom, and I am hoping for some improvement in the situation in the near future.
Is the Minister aware that the Great Southern Railways Company tendered evidence to the Transport Tribunal in 1938, endeavouring to prove that they had not sufficient financial facilities at that time to purchase the necessary supply of raw materials, including coal, and will he say what action, if any, he may take as a result of the information or evidence which I presume he has read?
We have kept up the supply of coal to the railways up to the present.
Why is it, then, that the Great Southern Railways Company did not purchase the necessary supply of coal to bring them over the emergency, or endeavour to do so?
That opens up too wide a field for debate.
I am sure it does.