asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that court proceedings have been initiated in several cases for alleged damage to roads by tractors fitted with steel wheels; and, if so, if he will make available at once a supply of pneumatic tyres, tubes and wheels for tractors engaged in tillage harvesting and threshing operations to replace steel wheels fitted with cleats or spade lugs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pneumatic Tyres for Tractors.
Pneumatic tyres and tubes for tractors have never been made in this country and apart from the very small numbers which may be imported from time to time, none can be made available to tractor owners.
I understand that steel road bands are normally supplied with steel-wheeled tractors for use when the tractors are travelling on the public roads and, so far as I am aware, there is no reason why owners of such tractors should not have been able to get road bands.
Do I understand from the Minister that there is no likelihood of a supply of pneumatic tyres and tubes for tractors?
That is right.
In view of the Minister's statement, I ask permission to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening, as it is a question which affects the food supply. I should like to say that it concerns primarily the Minister for Agriculture.
If the Deputy will give me the form of question to the Minister for Agriculture which he wishes to raise on the Adjournment, I will consider it.
Now?
Within the next hour will do.