asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that various types of motor lorries and commercial vehicles are being imported into the State in a practically completed state; if he is further aware that at least two firms in this country are importing such vehicles completely broken down and fully assembling them here, thus providing considerable employment; and if he will, accordingly, forthwith prevent the importation of such vehicles except in a completely broken down state and compel all importers to assemble completely such vehicles here, so that further employment might be open to our citizens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assembly of Motor Vehicles.
I am aware that new and second-hand commercial vehicles are being imported subject to the payment of customs duties. I do not consider it desirable to prohibit the importation of complete commercial vehicles. At the present time, such prohibition would not provide increased employment for the motor assembly industry, as the firms in this industry are finding it very difficult to obtain sufficient supplies of vehicle parts to meet existing demands.