asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of merchandise licences granted during the past twelve months; and if he will make a statement with regard to the future issue of such licences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Merchandise Licences.
69.
Six merchandise licences were granted during the past twelve months. These were all of very limited scope and were in respect of transport requirements which could not be provided more effectively or conveniently by public transport. Particulars of the licences may be inspected in the Statutory Register which is kept in my Department.
Section 115 of the Transport Act, 1944, governs the grant of new merchandise licences. Such a licence may be granted only where the existing merchandise road transport facilities in an area are inadequate and the required facilities cannot be provided more effectively and conveniently by a person other than an authorised (merchandise carrying) company. These conditions were fulfilled in all the cases mentioned and will apply in regard to the future issue of licences.