asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the quantity of turf produced in 1943 could have been considerably increased if workers had been given a reasonable supply of cycle tyres; and whether, in view of the urgency for increasing production during the present year, he will now review this position and instruct retailers of cycle tyres to give preference to such persons during this turf season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cycle Tyres for Turf Workers.
I cannot say to what extent, if any, the production of turf in 1943 was affected by the shortage of bicycle tyres. The maximum quantity of rubber consistent with the maintenance of essential transport services has been allocated for the production of bicycle tyres. As regards distribution, I would refer the Deputy to the replies which I gave on the 20th October, 24th November, and the 1st December, 1943, to questions regarding distribution of cycle tyres, in which I indicated that it would be quite impracticable to differentiate between the many and varied classes of persons requiring bicycles for essential purposes, or to give preference in such distribution to any particular class.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that it is being alleged that cycle tyres are being exported? If that is so, will the Minister explain the circumstances under which those tyres are in fact being exported?
I answered a Parliamentary question in that connection about a fortnight ago.