asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that many of the lorries and vans laid up consequent on petrol shortage are deteriorating, and whether he will acquire these for Government purposes or permit their sale for export while they are still usable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Shortage—Effect on Lorries and Vans.
From the information available to me, it does not appear that there is any substantial number of commercial vehicles laid up. The number of such vehicles at present taxed is 11,780 as compared with 10,750 in August, 1939. Acquisition of vehicles for Government purposes is effected as and when required and it is not at present proposed to depart from this practice. I am not prepared to permit the export of motor vehicles.
Will the Minister suggest what should be done with these vehicles, the two-ton lorries and so forth that are laid off and that are deteriorating, both as to their engines and their tyres? How best can such property be handled for the benefit of the State?
I am not aware that owners of commercial vehicles who do not wish to use them have experienced any difficulty in disposing of them within the State.
Does the Minister deem it expedient to indicate at this stage what steps these people should take to dispose of their vehicles? Is there any method by which they can place them at the disposal of those who might use them to the advantage of the community? It seems a pity to let them rot. What should these people do? Is there any agency they can approach with a view to offering them to those who may require them?
The normal channels for the disposal of second-hand vehicles are open. So far as I am aware, it is possible to dispose of them through those channels. I know of some people who have been seeking to purchase motor vehicles and who have been unable to do so.
Will the Minister undertake to put these people in contact with the channels through which they can dispose of their vehicles?
I think those people would find it much more useful to address themselves to some energetic motor agent.
There is valuable property deteriorating to my certain knowledge, and all I am asking the Minister to do is to let me know what the owners of this property should do. Are they to get in touch with him or some other agency?
I am not buying any motor vehicles, if that is the point the Deputy is anxious to have information on, and, so far as other Government Departments are concerned, I am not able to state their needs. I assume they purchase motor vehicles as and when they require them. There is a possibility of being able to dispose of those vehicles through ordinary commercial channels and I suggest it is through these channels that the owners of these vehicles should seek information about their disposal.
And if they fail in that direction, they must let their vehicles and their tyres rot?
Not necessarily.
I am blowed if I can find out what it is the Minister wants them to do.