asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if the timetable for movement from quantity licensing to quality licensing of road freight can be accelerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Road Transport Act, 1986 sets out the timetable for the move from quantitative to qualitative control in the road haulage industry. The liberalisation will be fully effective from 30 September 1988.

To reduce the timetable would require me to introduce new legislation and, since I am satisfied that the process is proceeding satisfactorily, I see no good reason for changing the existing arrangement.

Would the Minister ensure that the final date will be 1988 because we are some 20 years behind the United Kingdom and it is essential that this move takes place as soon as possible. I would ask him to look on this as a priority.

If we do not have it by September 1988 we will be breaking the law.

I accept that.