asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of lorries employed by C.I.E. in addition to their own fleet this season, and if he has satisfied himself that it is equitable that these private hauliers be paid less than the amount which beet growers are charged for the transport of beet.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Payments to Hauliers.
The Transport Act, 1950, imposes a general duty on the Board of C.I.E. to exercise its powers under the Act so as to provide or secure or promote the provision of an efficient, economic, convenient and properly integrated system of public transport. In carrying out this duty the board is empowered, among other things, to hire rolling stock, including road vehicles, and to make working agreements or arrangements for the provision by any person of transport services which the board is required or authorised to provide. The board is also free to fix its own charges.
I have accordingly no function in regard to the matter to which the question refers.
May we infer that the board is at liberty to make a profit on the engagement of private lorries?
I hope to see the day that it will make a profit.
At whose expense?
The Deputy, I think, misunderstands the position. It is quite clear that unless the board is togive its administrative services, which cover the organisation of transport, for nothing, the amount it must charge will be greater than the amount it pays the operator of the vehicles.
Will the Tánaiste not agree that the private haulier would be prepared to cart farmers' produce at less cost than C.I.E. are charging?
I do not agree.