asked he Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the application of William Gaynor, Knockdoorish, Kilbride, Tullow, for a merchandise transport licence was refused by his Department; and if, in view of the service of the applicant in the Army during the emergency, he will favourably reconsider the application.

Under existing legislation new merchandise licences may be granted only where it is established that the existing merchandise road transport facilities in any area are inadequate and the existing licensed operators are unable to provide the required additional facilities. These conditions do not obtain in the Tullow area and I am, therefore, precluded from reconsidering his application.