andMr. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has received representations to grant road transport merchandise licences to certain shipping companies; if so, by whom the representations have been made; if he is aware that the granting of such licences will put such shipping companies in a preferential position as against other shipping companies; and that it will create serious redundancy and losses for several road transport licensees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Haulage Licences.
29.
Applications for the grant of merchandise licences under section 12 of the Road Transport Act, 1933 have been made by certain shipping companies and are being examined in conjunction with the review of general road freight transport policy now in progress. All the implications of the grant of such licences will be fully considered before a decision is taken. The names of the applicants for licences must be treated as confidential.
30.
andMr. Ryan asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he estimates that there will in future be a need for a greater number of road transport merchandise hauliers; and, if so, if he will remove all restrictions on existing road transport haulage licences so as to permit licensees to operate anywhere within the State with any number of vehicles.
I would refer the Deputies to the comprehensive statement which I made in relation to the review of road freight transport policy when introducing the Estimate for my Department on 9th November, 1967. This review is proceeding and I am not yet in a position to say what conclusions will be reached.