asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of licensed haulage contractors, whose licences permit only the standard unladen weight of 2 tons 2 cwts., are now finding it impossible to replace their obsolete lorries with lorries within the standard maximum unladen weight of 2 tons 5 cwts., as the only new lorries now available are 28 h.p. unladen weight 2 tons 11 cwts.; and, if so, whether in view of the unavoidable discontinuance of a number of the lorries within the 2 tons 5 cwts. unladen weight limit, and the hardships resulting therefrom, he will state if he is prepared to amend the Transport Act, 1944, to enable those concerned to purchase and license lorries, the unladen weight of which does not exceed 2 tons 11 cwts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unladen Weight of Lorries.
On the representations of the Irish Licensed Hauliers' Association, provision was made in the Transport Act, 1944, for substantial increases in the standard lorry weight specified in existing carriers' licences. I am satisfied that there are no grounds to justify further increases, and that when it is possible to procure new vehicles hauliers should have no difficulty in obtaining lorries within the prescribed limits.