asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that CIE are seeking a ten per cent increase in freight charges on the transport of beet for next season's crop, while they have made package deals with some growers at from 15 per cent to 20 per cent reduced freight charges and while 60 per cent of their total road haulage is carried out by unplated lorry owners who have to pay 12½ per cent to CIE; and that instead of an increase in the price of beet, beet growers are now faced with what amounts to a cut of 10s 6d per ton as against last year's price and conditions; and if under these circumstances he will be prepared to liberalise beet transport and allow it to be delivered by tractor or unplated lorries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beet Transport Charges.
1.
Under section 8 of the Transport Act, 1958 CIE may fix such charges as they think fit for any service provided by them.
I am informed by CIE that they are at present negotiating with representatives of the beet growers about beet haulage rates for next season's crop. On the basis of the information available to me there are no grounds for the Deputy's suggestion that beet growers are faced with an additional expense of 10/6 a ton arising from revised haulage rates.
I am not satisfied that there is a need for an amendment of existing legislation to exempt beet haulage from transport licensing controls.
Is the Minister aware that the cut which I have given is correct? It embraces 1/9d a ton cut on beet pulp and 8/9d increase in agricultural wages, both caused through the intervention of some bullock ranchers——
The Deputy may not make a speech, he may put a supplementary question.
My supplementary question is: what does the Minister intend to do?
Negotiations are taking place and I have asked for a statement in regard to the increase in the cost of beet haulage arising from the charges made by CIE. I am informed that as in the case of other commodities, they do make package deals. I am told the increase would be of the order of 5d to 5/5d a ton maximum, depending on the distance. I understand that CIE and the plated lorries take about half of the total beet tonnage, the other half being transported by other methods. CIE are doing their best by negotiating to arrange the best possible price for the members of the Beet Growers Association.
Even though they collect 12½ per cent for the carriage of 60 per cent of the road hauled beet which they never see and which none of their employees ever see and they have made——
The Deputy may not continue making a speech on this question.
I should like to inform the Minister that I am instructing my organisation to pay no increase and they can divide that as between the Sugar Company and CIE, the two Government-owned industries.