andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture why facilities do not exist in this country for the testing of prototypes of tractor frames to accord with the safety regulations that he has made; and the steps he has taken to secure the provision of such facilities here.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tractor Frames.
2.
Regulations requiring tractors to be fitted with safety frames were made in 1969 by the Minister for Local Government. Under these regulations, safety frames must be of a type capable of satisfying the tests prescribed in the OECD Standard Code for the Testing of Agricultural Tractors. An Foras Talúntais are the officially designated authority for the implementation of the code in this country and can arrange for the testing of new frames manufactured in this country. This testing is carried out in Britain on the institute's behalf. I am advised that this arrangement works satisfactorily and it is not considered that the establishment by the institute of separate testing facilities would be justified.
Are there not testing facilities in this country?
I cannot tell the Deputy definitely that there are not but it would appear that facilities are not available here since An Foras Talúntais avail of testing facilities in England.
Is the Minister satisfied with that situation?
In the case of a product such as this with a fairly limited market the provision of separate testing facilities probably would not be worth the trouble.
Is the Minister in a position to indicate the overall cost to the small producer of having these frames tested in England?
I cannot give the answer to this question but if the Deputy will give me notice of it I will try to get the information he requires.
Is it not the truth that at present all these frames have to be sent to England for testing and that we are importing quite a number of these frames from England?
I do not think it is true that they all have to be sent to England. A sample would be sufficient.