asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Lough Swilly Railway Company proposes to increase bus fares, and if, in view of the present high fares, he will have the matter investigated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Bus Fares.
The maximum bus fares which may be charged by the Derry and Lough Swilly Railway Company are those prescribed in regulations made in 1953 under the Road Transport Act, 1932.
I have been informed by the company that in view of increases which have occurred in operating costs they have decided to increase certain of their fares. The new fares cannot exceed the statutory maxima settled in 1953.
In view of the fact that this company showed a substantial profit during the year and has taken a decision to pay an extra 1 per cent. to its shareholders, surely the Minister will agree that there is room for his intervention, in view of the fact that they now propose to increase their freight and fare charges by anything from 5 to 10 per cent.?
The company is operating within statutory maxima which were fixed by regulations made in 1953 and, in view of that, it does not seem to me that intervention is called for. I may mention that the company, operating under a previous regulation, increased its fares in August, 1952, and in February, 1953, and it is at present operating, as I say, within regulations which permit this movement upwards, if the company so desire.
Could I ask the Minister then to look into the regulations? Where a company has made a substantial profit and has decided to pay an extra 1 per cent., would he not think there is room for change?
That is an entirely separate question.