asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will lay on the Table of the House a paper giving a report on the results of the operation of the scheme by which the Great Southern Railways road services have a monopoly in certain areas, and stating, in particular, the amount of petrol issued in each area before and after the creation of the monopoly, the number of lorries of the Great Southern Railways which have been converted to producer gas, and the number of persons employed in transport services before and after the creation of the monopoly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Great Southern Railway Company's Road Services.
No useful purpose would be served at this stage by the preparation of a report such as that suggested. Apart from the fact that the arrangements which are being made are in daily process of development there are many factors which would make reliable comparisons difficult. It should be understood, however, that the securing of economies in the use of petrol, tyres, etc., is not the sole object of the transport reorganisation which is being carried out. The primary aim is to ensure that, in the event of serious dislocation or discontinuance of petrol and other recessary supplies, the needs of the public for general transport services will continue to be served as long and as widely as possible.
In view of the fact that many people either fear or hope that the present scheme is in the shape of things to come, does he not think the House should be fully informed of how it has operated so far, so that they may have the experience that has been gained to help them to form a decision as to whether it is, or is not, a good system for subsequent adoption?
I can assure the Deputy that it is working very well.
Will the Minister not tell the House the facts and figures, not simply say that it is working very well, which does not help us to form a true opinion?
I appreciate that, but for the reasons given in the reply a statistical report is not now practicable.