asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Mr. A.P. Reynolds, Chairman of the Great Southern Railways, stated, as reported in the Press, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on March 3rd, that he proposed applying to the Minister for an Emergency Powers Order authorising a substantial increase in railway rates and fares; whether he intends, in the event of such an application being made, to issue such an Order; and, if so, whether he will state the grounds for such procedure, having regard to the existence of the Railway Tribunal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Rates and Fares.
I am aware that at the recent annual general meeting of the Great Southern Railways Company the chairman indicated that the company proposed to seek an Emergency Powers Order to increase rail rates and fares. The application has not yet been received, and I am not in a position to state in advance what decision may be taken on any such application. I may at the same time point out that the Emergency Powers Order, 1939, makes specific and particular provision for authorising a railway company by Order to make charges in excess of or in addition to those which it would otherwise be authorised to make.