asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has met the Irish Bodybuilders' Association concerning the import of ready-made truck bodies; and if he will make arrangements to restrict these imports to a minimum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Truck Body Imports.
53.
Representatives of the Federation of Irish Vehicle Bodybuilders were met in my Department in November last to discuss a number of questions concerning the importation of fully built-up bodies for commercial vehicles. The present position is that built-up bodies for rigid commercial vehicles come within the scope of the Motor Vehicle Act and may only be imported by registered importers. In practice the overwhelming majority of built-up commercial vehicles imported by the registered importers are brought in as chassis/cabs only, the bodies being constructed and fitted locally.
Trailers and semi-trailers for articulated vehicles do not come under the scope of the Motor Vehicles Act and bodies for such vehicles may be imported by anyone on payment of the appropriate duty. The duties on such vehicles are being adjusted in accordance with EEC commitments. Reduced duty licences for such vehicle bodies are only issued when it has been established that the vehicle body in question or a suitable substitute cannot be supplied by a home manufacturer.