asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that many small farmers, vegetable and fruit growers in County Dublin are in the habit of using their private cars with trailers attached for the purpose of delivering their produce in the city in a fresh condition; and, if so, whether he will have such persons included in the category of essential services for whom petrol will continue to be made available under the new petrol rationing scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol for Small Farmers.
It will not be possible to grant a permit for private cars used after the 1st proximo by small farmers, vegetable and fruit growers in County Dublin or elsewhere who use such cars with trailers for the delivery of produce in the city. All such persons should be advised to make immediate arrangements to have their vehicles converted into commercial trucks or vans. In such cases, their applications for petrol allowances will be given favourable consideration in the light of petrol supplies available from month to month.
Would the Minister consider making a considered statement with a view to putting people's minds at rest on the question whether they may have any hope of getting discs or not? The Minister is aware that a number of classes of persons such as market gardeners, delicate people and other special classes are hoping to get discs. Would it be possible to make a full statement so as to obviate the thousands of applications that must arise unless there is some categorical statement made by the Minister between now and the 1st May?
The Deputy may assume that snch a statement will be made before the 1st May.
Does the Minister seriously make the suggestion that farmers who have private cars should get them changed into trucks?
Yes.
If the Minister is making that suggestion seriously, would he not consider issuing it as a public notice rather than making it in a casual way in a Parliamentary answer?
The Deputy can assume that communications have been sent by my Department to such people where-ever it appears that they require such advice. I am prepared to consider making a public statement if the Deputy has no objection to my doing so after the statement made here in the Dáil.
With regard to the Minister's suggestion that some people should convert their cars into commercial vehicles or trucks, I suppose the Minister is aware that that was done last year by certain people, and yet they were refused permits to use them as commercial vehicles?
The taking out of the back seat does not convert a car into a van. That is the only case in which they were refused.
They must do something in order to convert them into commercial vehicles.
If any person is in doubt as to the alterations necessary to enable a vehicle to be regarded as a van he can communicate with the Department. There are explicit instructions available. Probably they are also available in the tax registration offices.