asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the number of completely assembled lorries imported in each of the months of November and December, 1944, and January and February, 1945; (2) the number of completely assembled lorries due for delivery during the months of March and April; (3) the rate of duty payable on completely assembled lorries, and (4) the future policy of his Department regarding the importation of completely assembled vehicles where similar vehicles can be manufactured or assembled in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Lorries.
The number of completely assembled lorries imported each month during the period from November, 1944, to February, 1945, were eight, 16, 27 and 23, respectively. The figure in respect of the month of February, 1945 covers the period up to the 24th of that month only.
I have no information as to the number of assembled lorries which are due for delivery in the months of March and April.
Assembled lorries are at present liable to duty at the rate of 15 per cent., ad valorem (flat rate).
When it becomes possible to undertake again the assembly and construction of these vehicles the industry will be accorded a reasonable measure of protection against the importation of completely assembled vehicles.
Is the Minister aware that the workers engaged in the motor assembly trade here submit that these vehicles could be assembled here; that both the labour and the materials for such assembling are available here, and that of the number of completely assembled lorries, now held up in the customs, something like 300 of them could have been assembled here?
I am fully aware that these lorries could be assembled here in normal times, but the fact is that we cannot procure lorries except in the condition in which they are now imported. Having regard to the scarcity of vehicles of this character in this country, I see no reason why we should not take them in the only form in which we can get them.
Well, in view of the fact that the men engaged in this industry of the assembling of parts, are very much concerned about this matter, will the Minister consider receiving a deputation on behalf of these men, as they are very much concerned, not alone with what is happening at the present moment, but with what may happen in the future?
As far as the future is concerned, I have given the Deputy a reply to that part of his main question.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a firm of motor agents in Kingston-on-Thames have recently advertised in the Dublin newspapers offering bargains in reconditioned lorries; and, if so, if he will state if it is the policy of his Department to permit the importation freely of these vehicles where the livelihood of many workers in this industry is imperilled.
I am aware that advertisements of the nature referred to have appeared from time to time in the Dublin newspapers. It is not my policy to discourage for the present the importation of completely assembled commercial vehicles in view of the shortage of these vehicles and the difficulty in procuring them in any condition of assembly since the emergency.