Vol. 196 No. 8
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the serious effect the proposed increased freight charges to be imposed by British Railways will have on the economy; and, if so, if he will make representations to have these already excessive charges retained at the present level, or, if possible, reduced.
36.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the adverse effects on Ireland's competitive position in the export market which are likely to be caused by the latest increase in cross-channel shipping charges, he will investigate the necessity or otherwise for such increases, and take steps to control freight costs.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 36 together.
There is no statutory authority by which direct control could be exercised over cross-channel shipping freight, nor would it be practicable to exercise effective control on a unilateral basis.
As I indicated in reply to a similar question on 26th October, 1960, a National Shippers' Committee was established in May, 1960 to consider problems of cross-channel transport, particularly in relation to freight rates and to discuss them with the representatives of the ship-owners.
When I was informed by the Irish and British Traffic Association of the proposed increases, and advised by the National Shippers' Committee that an impasse had been reached, I invited representatives of both Organisations to meet me. The Traffic Association indicated at this meeting that the proposed increases would not be sufficient to compensate them for the increased operating costs, and they instanced, inter alia, substantial increases in wages here and in Britain and increased harbour dues at certain British ports. The Tribunal of Inquiry into cross-channel freight rates which reported in May, 1959 concluded that the cross-channel companies were not then making excessive profits. Without detailed up-to-date information as to the receipts and expenditure of each of the companies it would not be possible for me to determine the extent to which the present increases may be justified.
At the meeting with the two parties the National Shippers' Committee indicated that they would submit a memorandum to me and I have asked them to deal as far as possible with the possible effect of the increases on our export costs. I endeavoured, I regret to say without success, to secure a reduction or a postponement in the proposed increases. The Traffic Association have, however, undertaken to consider representations regarding specific traffics when it can be shown that the increase is detrimental to the interests of the trader.
