asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce legislation to amend the Hire-Purchase Acts so as to provide that the statutory warranty as to the merchantable quality of goods sold for the first time will be extended to secondhand goods in future in view of the increasing number of television sets, radios, motor-cars, cookers and washing machines which are the subject of hire-purchase agreements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hire Purchase Agreements.
14.
Mr. Ryan
There is no evidence available to me which would indicate that an alteration in the law on the lines suggested by the Deputy is necessary.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister take a look at the number of decrees in the district court where innocent purchasers have been "had" where hire purchase contracts covered secondhand equipment and the equipment turned out faulty? I can assure the Minister that the number is considerable and there is need for reform.
Before the recent Act was introduced and passed by the House the advice of judges, justices and of court officials was sought and not one of them adverted to the aspect of the matter referred to by the Deputy.
Mr. Ryan
In many cases the solicitors will say they have no answer, that there is no point in going into it.