asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, prior to granting approval under the Railways (Road Motor Services) Act, 1927, the Minister will consider the advisability of inviting the Railway Company and the private bus owners to confer officially as to the possibility of adjustments between them, with a view to the avoidance of a destructive campaign on the roads which is likely to result in loss of revenue to, and adverse labour conditions on the railways and many other economic disadvantages to the country.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RAILWAYS AND BUS COMPETITION.
I see no occasion for a conference between the Railway Company and private bus owners before the Railway Company has been authorised to exercise the powers of running road services. That authority has now been given, but I would not feel inclined to propose any conference to the parties if the best justification that can be advanced for it is the unwarranted assumptions contained in the latter part of the question.
The Act was adopted by the Oireachtas without any serious contention because the Oireachtas was satisfied that the railway companies should not be refused powers possessed by every private bus owner, and that the grant of such powers would be advantageous to the general public as well as to all concerned in the railways. I am not prepared, as invited in the question, to administer the Act on the assumption that it should not have been passed.
Is the Minister aware that, unless some immediate steps are taken in regard to this bus traffic, it will be necessary for some of the railways to be closed down?
I am not aware of that at all.
If the newspapers are to be believed, we are on the eve of a traffic war on the roads.
I would not advise the Deputy to accept everything that the newspapers say.
Sometimes they tell the truth.
Give me proof of it.