asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any provision is made in the Road Transport Act for increased weight in the case of lorries fitted with bodies of native timber, and if he is aware that, in the case of the ordinary two-ton vehicle (not necessitating a change of body), there is no provision for increased weight which is occasioned by the fitting of heavy equipment to the vehicle.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Weight of Lorries.
I would refer the Deputy to the Road Transport Act, 1935 (Section 3 (2)), which provides in certain circumstances for increased weight of a lorry used in the course of a merchandise road transport business due to replacement of the body by one of Irish manufacture. There is no provision for increased weight occasioned by the fitting of heavy equipment.
As I cannot recall the sub-section to which the Minister refers, will he agree that, because of heavy rain, etc., some of the old bodies on many of these lorries have got heavier than they were when originally made and, because of that fact, will he look into the matter?
I am bound by the terms of the Act.