asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the difficult position many lorry owners are now placed in as a result of the proposed reduction in the hand-won turf schemes and if he will state whether he proposes to find alternative employment for these lorries now.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Motor Lorries.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the large number of serviceable motor lorries without trading plates which now lie idle throughout the country; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have these lorries purchased by Córas Iompair Éireann at a reasonable market value, so that their owners, who rendered invaluable service during the emergency, will not suffer a total loss.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that, as a result of the announcement made on the 12th February, 1948, in regard to turf production, considerable hardship has been caused to those persons formerly engaged on turf and timber haulage who obtained their lorries on the hire-purchase system, and who now find themselves with many instalments to pay and no demand for their lorries; and, if so, whether he will state what steps it is proposed to take to alleviate this hardship.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 58 and 59 together. I realise that the curtailment of the turf programme involves a reduction in the quantity of turf requiring lorry transport, and I have the whole question under consideration.