asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state whether the manufacture and fitting to motor cars of producer gas plants have been prohibited; and, if so, if he will give the reasons; and if he will say when the prohibition will be removed and subject to what conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Producer Gas for Motor Cars.
I have taken powers under the Emergency Powers (Gas Producer Equipment), Order, 1942, made on the 18th April, 1942, to control the manufacture, fitting and use of gas producer plants on motor vehicles. The reason for the Order is that the supply of materials for the manufacture of producer-gas plants is very limited, and it is consequently desirable to ensure that such material is used to the maximum extent possible for the production of plants for commercial vehicles and, to the extent that it is suitable only for the production of plants for private cars, it is used for such cars required for business purposes.
Permits have been granted allowing the use on the public roads of private motor vehicles which were fitted with gas producer plants not later than the 18th April, 1942, and fitting permits have been granted in respect of gas producer plants ordered for such vehicles and in possession of the suppliers not later than that date.
Permits will not be granted for the fitting to private motor vehicles of gas producer plants ordered after that date unless the owner satisfies me that the vehicle is to be used for essential services.
I have imposed no restriction, up to the present, on the use of commercial goods vehicles fitted or to be fitted with gas producer equipment, and permits allowing the fitting of plants to such vehicles have been granted where applied for.
All vehicles fitted with gas producer equipment must be registered in the Register of Gas Producer Vehicles maintained by the Department under Article 4 of the Order.