asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the wastage of fuel oil as a result of the restrictive nature of laws governing the carriage of goods; and the efforts he is making to rectify the matter.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Freight Transport.
10.
asked the Minister for Transport the plans, if any, to amend existing legislation to relax laws governing the carriage of goods.
12.
asked the Minister for Transport the estimated volume of road goods traffic carried by unlicensed hauliers.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, together.
My general policy in regard to road freight transport is to move towards liberalisation of the industry subject to quality control. In this connection I have asked the Transport Consultative Commission to examine the structure of the road freight haulage industry and to consider the adequacy, cost and efficiency of the services provided for domestic and international road haulage.
No representations have been made to me specifically about wastage of fuel oil as a result of the existing provisions of road transport legislation but I have received representations about the possibility of permitting backloading by own-account operators. Accordingly, I have asked the Transport Consultative Commission to consider specifically in the course of their examination the question of backloading for reward by own-account operators.
When I receive the commission's report I will then decide what further measures need be taken in the interest of both users and the hauliers. There are no statistics available about the operations of unlicensed hauliers.
Is the Minister in favour of the removal of the ban on backloading as it is obviously a measure which would lead to fuel conservation?
It would not be proper for me to pre-empt anything the transport Consultative Commission might make recommendations on.
Thank God for commissions.
I have a personal opinion but I do not think it would be helpful in so far as the Transport Consultative Commission have, as part of their terms of reference, been given this specifically.
We know what your opinion is.
What is the Minister's opinion?
There should be a gradual move towards liberalisation as far as haulage is concerned.
One final supplementary from Deputy Deasy.
Will the Minister allow any new haulage licences to be granted?
I do not see anything about licences in the question.
It is between the lines.
Under Question No. 11.
It is surely not between the lines. There is nothing in the questions about licences.
What are the Minister's plans, if any, to amend existing legislation to relax the laws governing the carriage of goods? Is the Minister aware that no new licences have been granted in the haulage business since 1932? Has he any plans to grant these licences?
There was a considerable move as far as liberalisation in transport was concerned under the 1978 Act——
No, merely an extension of existing licences.
The people who are involved in this kind of operation should be making submissions to the Transport Consultative Commission who are sitting at present and are anxious to deal with all matters concerned with road haulage, both national and international. There have been considerable advances in this regard in the recent past as far as bilateral and multi-lateral agreements are concerned.
Has the Minister had any submissions from unlicensed hauliers?
I told Deputy Deasy he was getting his final supplememtary and the Chair must be obeyed.
At a recent meeting which I attended in Limerick quite a few of the unlicensed hauliers were represented and they made certain points. I promised to, and I will, give them due consideration. They were very pleased with my contribution on that occasion.
(Interruptions)
Question No. 13. The Minister should not answer asides.