asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the increasing hardships suffered by doctors, clergymen, hackney owners and light van owners because of the shortage of tyres; and, if so, if he will now make available an adequate supply of tyres, say, two for each vehicle allowed on the road at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Motor Tyres.
I am aware that the shortage of tyres for light motor vehicles has necessarily resulted in hardships for doctors, clergymen, hackney owners and light van owners, but as I stated on the 23rd February, 1944, in reply to a previous question on this subject, the rubber supply position has necessitated the suspension of the manufacture of tyres for all light motor vehicles and, consequently, new tyres for such vehicles can no longer be provided.
I am not, therefore, in a position to make tyres available for light motor vehicles as suggested by the Deputy, and I can only suggest that owners of such vehicles should avail themselves of the service operated by the Irish Dunlop Company Limited, whereby that company will supply remoulded tyres where they are required for immediate use on vehicles engaged on essential services, provided the owners of such vehicles are in a position to forward to the company sound casings suitable for remoulding.