asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state on what basis petrol will in future be distributed to owners of commercial vehicles used for (1) agricultural; (2) industrial manufacturing; (3) distribution and other commercial purposes, and in particular if he will say the proposed basis of such distribution for the months of May and June.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Basis of Petrol Rationing.
Basic allowances of petrol will be issued in respect of commercial goods vehicles for the month of May, 1942, on the following basis:—
|
Unladen weight. |
|
|
Not exceeding 12 cwts. |
16 gallons |
|
Exceeding 12 cwts. but not exceeding 1 ton |
20 gallons |
|
Exceeding 1 ton but not exceeding 2 tons |
40 gallons |
|
Exceeding 2 tons but not exceeding 5 tons |
50 gallons |
|
Exceeding 5 tons |
60 gallons |
No indication can at this stage be given as to the allowances to be issued for these vehicles for the month of June.
Supplementary allowances also will normally be available on application during May in respect of commercial goods vehicles used for the transport of essential commodities such as agricultural produce, foodstuffs and milk, sand and gravel, turf and wood fuel, etc. The quantities of petrol to be allocated depend upon the individual merits of each particular case.
It is not proposed to grant supplementary allowances for vehicles used for retail delivery and other commercial purposes.
It is not possible at this stage to give any indication as to what supplementary allowances, if any, will be available for June, having regard to the uncertainty of future petrol supplies.
Will the Minister take this opportunity of stating what, in the judgment of his Department, will be deemed to be a commercial vehicle? Is it true that if the question as to whether a converted vehicle is a commercial vehicle is in doubt, the local Gárda sergeant can resolve the doubt? The Minister is aware that a number of persons are converting cars and the difficulty is to decide whether the conversion corresponds with the Minister's view of what a commercial vehicle should be. I understand that he is prepared to accept the certificate of the Gárda sergeant. Is that correct?
It is not altogether correct. The alterations which must be made in a vehicle to qualify as a commercial vehicle are strictly defined. The Gárda sergeant may come in for the purpose of certifying that alterations conforming with these regulations have been effected.
The Minister sees the point of my question. Unless there is some local arbiter to determine this question, there may be 2,000 vehicles outside Ballsbridge waiting to ascertain whether the Minister thinks they are commercial vehicles or not. Would it not be advantageous to say now that that question can be resolved locally if the person concerned goes to the Gárda station—the question whether they have, in fact, effectively converted their vehicle, or not?
It seems to me that that is primarily a matter for the local taxation office.
If the alterations are carried out to the Minister's satisfaction, will a supply of petrol be made available to the persons in question?
That will depend upon the use to be made of the vehicle.
If the conversion meets the requirements of the Minister and the nature of the work also satisfies the Minister, will a petrol allowance be granted?
Yes, in the month of May.
Will the Minister say where the conditions regarding conversion have been laid down?
There are standing regulations, which are not merely of emergency origin, in that regard at the Department of Industry and Commerce. These regulations are in general accord with the requirements of the Department of Supplies so far as the issue of petrol rations is concerned.
Where can a person who wishes to secure that the conversion will be in accord with these regulations get a copy of the regulations?
I am sure he can get a copy at the local taxation office.
He cannot. You are only making trouble for yourself by saying that.
Has a circular been issued by the Minister's own Department on this matter?
Yes.
Will the Minister put a copy in the Library?
Yes.
Will the Minister say by whom the circular has been issued?
These matters have nothing to do with the question which was put down. If Deputies want information regarding them, they had better put down questions.
Will the Minister circulate a copy of the regulations to Deputies, which would save his own Department a great deal of trouble?
Certainly.