asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will make an Order which will enable lorry owners who have not got a merchandise plate to haul grain during the harvest season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Haulage during Harvest.
The facilities for the transport of grain provided by the public transport companies, licensed hauliers and licensed agents for licensed mills are quite adequate and I see no reason to make an Order to allow other persons to enter this business.
Is the Minister aware that up to last year this particular facility was given and that in many areas in the country the facilities afforded by the monopoly company and the lorry owners with merchandise plates are not sufficient to draw the grain in a sufficiently short space of time? When one gets a wet harvest a considerable amount of the grain is damaged by both the weather and pests.
I think the Deputy is misinformed when he says that up to last year the facilities which he asked for in the question were given. They were never given. Special facilities were given to the licensed agents for the licensed millers, in addition to the public transport company and licensed hauliers. I am satisfied that between them they provide adequate transport to meet the grain position.