asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that grave inconvenience is being caused to flax growers in Monaghan as a result of the prohibition on transport of flax by petrol-driven lorries; and, if so, if he will take steps to secure permission for persons desirous of transporting their flax by lorry to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Flax.
There is no prohibition on the transport of flax by petrol-driven lorries provided that it is carried by the owners in their own lorries or by persons licensed to carry flax under the Road Transport Act, 1933.
Is the Minister aware that there were a number of prosecutions recently of persons in the County Monaghan for carrying flax in lorries, and that, so far as I am aware, they were convicted? Is this due to the fact that the lorries of licensed hauliers are forbidden to carry flax?
A number of persons were prosecuted for carrying flax for reward although not licensed to engage in that trade.
And any licensed carrier can carry flax?
If his licence covers flax.
I take it that a general merchandise licence would cover flax?
A general licence would. A number of persons are licensed to carry limited commodities.
Is the Minister satisfied that there are adequate haulage facilities, of a petrol driven character, available in County Monaghan to deal with the flax which has to be transported?
I am satisfied that the public companies and licensed hauliers will provide whatever transport facilities are required.
Should the resources of the public companies prove inadequate for the effective haulage of this crop, will the Minister consider representations to permit of alternative arrangements being made by the growers while the shortage of transport facilities prevails?
In the very unlikely event of the public companies being unable to provide adequate transport, the matter would be considered.