asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a considerable amount of wheat and barley is being damaged by exposure in the Gort area by reason of the fact than an insufficient number of wagons is made available at Gort; and if he will state whether steps can be taken to see that the additional wagons urgently required are provided; and if this is not possible, whether he will make available additional petrol to lorry owners in Gort for the transport of wheat and barley.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Grain from Gort.
I am advised that 99 wagons have been supplied for grain traffic at Gort in the five weeks ended 20th October and the company are doing everything possible to clear off arrears. It must be realised that grain traffic is appreciably greater than last year, while there has been no increase in rolling stock. I am satisfied that the transport companies are giving the best service possible in the circumstances, but that there is no arrangement whereby simultaneous demands for wagons from all centres can be met immediately on request. In some instances the mills and stores have been unable to unload the grain consigned to them at the rate of its delivery. Petrol is being made available for grain haulage to the maximum extent possible.