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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Apr 1944

Vol. 93 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Cycle Tyres.

asked the Minister for Supplies if cycle retailers are obliged to make returns showing how they have disposed of cycle tyres and tubes allotted to them; if adequate measures are being taken to ensure that all supplies of tyres and tubes are sold at the fixed prices; and if he will compel manufacturers to stamp the controlled retail prices on all tyres and tubes.

Under the Emergency Powers (Cycle Tyres) Order, 1942, no person may sell cycle tyres unless he holds a licence. Every licensed cycle dealer is required to keep at his premises a record of all cycle tyres purchased and sold by him and of all cycle tyres fitted by him to bicycles intended for sale or hire. These records must show, in respect of each transaction, the date, the number of tyres and tubes involved, and the full name and address of the person from whom the tyres were purchased or to whom they were sold. The records are examined from time to time by inspectors of my Department and appropriate action is taken where any irregularities are discovered. It has not hitherto been found necessary to require cycle tyre dealers in general to furnish returns of sales.

The maximum prices at which tyres and tubes may be sold are fixed by Order and alleged offences relating to the prices of tyres and tubes which are brought to the notice of the Department are, in common with other complaints of overcharging, investigated by inspectors of the Department with a view to the institution of legal proceedings against offenders.

The controlled prices of the various brands of tyres and tubes are clearly set out in the relevant price Orders and are included in the list of controlled retail prices published regularly in the Press. The stamping of prices on tyres and tubes is not considered practicable.

Is the Minister aware that many retailers get a certain quota of tyres and tubes and yet the clients whom they are supposed to supply, namely, the people within a radius of so many miles, do not get any? I agree with the Minister that there are certain regulations by which they must abide; but has the Minister any method whereby he can ascertain that the forms filled up by people who are supposed to purchase these tyres and tubes are genuine? Are the people whose names and addresses are given genuine customers, or are the forms faked? Has the Minister made any investigation to find out if those names are the true names of the purchasers?

Investigations are made by inspectors of the Department and checks are instituted.

Can the inspector of the Department get any information to satisfy himself that these are the actual purchasers?

The inspectors frequently call upon persons who are shown as having made purchases and inquire whether in fact they did purchase tyres.

There are complaints from road and turf workers around a particular district that they are unable to get tyres, although they are registered for the past year.

The explanation presumably is that the quantity available is only about one-third of the quantity required.

We are satisfied there is a sufficient number of tyres for distribution locally, but they are not distributed evenly.

If I supply the Minister with information, will he have the necessary investigation carried out?

Certainly.

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