Vol. 379 No. 8
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the substantial amount of importation of second-hand motor vehicle tyres into this jurisdiction from other European countries; the approximate numbers of such tyres that have been imported; the action, if any, he proposes to take in order to deal with this threat to consumer safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
56.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the concern which has been expressed by representatives of the motor vehicle tyre industry with respect to the importation of tyres from other EC countries which are substandard and which are not subject to any scrutiny with regards to safety in this jurisdiction and which are being sold as satisfactory by many suppliers; and the action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that an accurate classification is provided with each tyre sold to the public, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
In 1987, the number of second-hand motor vehicle tyres imported into this country from other European countries was approximately 374,000. Indications are that the majority of these tyres were imported for use in the remould industry. In reply to a question by Deputy Keating on 19 April 1988, I detailed the current legislative position in relation to the quality of motor vehicle tyres and the actions which I am proposing to take in this area.
There is no precise evidence to indicate that the use of second-hand tyres is a major contributory cause of road accidents. I do recognise, however, that good quality tyres lead to safer motoring and I would urge motorists to exercise extreme caution when purchasing tyres.
