asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that several carriers who earn their living by carrying merchandise on their own trucks and who were registered as "existing carriers" for 20 cwt. vehicles, now find that when such trucks are worn out they cannot be replaced as the smallest commercial vehicle presently made is 30 cwt. capacity, and if he will, under such circumstances, permit the necessary plates and permits to be issued for such increased carrying capacity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Existing Carriers' Trucks.
It has been represented to me that certain carriers have experienced difficulty in replacing vehicles of the type and in the circumstances referred to in the question; but it is not correct to suggest that the smallest commercial vehicle now being made is of 30 cwt. carrying capacity. I am informed that at least two types of commercial vehicle of 1 ton carrying capacity are at present being assembled in this country and sold complete with Irish-built body, whilst a 1-ton chassis of a similar type on which an Irish-built body can be mounted, is also available.
Where one lorry is replaced by another, the increase in a licensee's standard lorry weight permitted by the Road Transport Act, 1934, is conditional upon the carrying capacity of both vehicles being substantially the same, and there is no power under the Act to authorise an increase in standard lorry weight in cases where this condition is not fulfilled.
I may add, however, that I am considering the whole matter in the light of representations made to me from various quarters.