asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will clarify the situation in relation to the technical standards currently applying and likely to apply in the future to car remould tyres; if his attention has been drawn to the particular problems which will arise for smaller firms importing tyres who may not be able to get an Irish stamp approved mark; in view of this, if he will consider continuing with the same quality standards as apply in Britain and that the British stamp would apply as a quality mark in this country also; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Car Remould Tyres.
87.
Irish Standard 412, effective from 19 July 1988, sets out detailed specifications relating to the composition and marking of retreaded tyres.
I have announced my intention to make compliance with this standard compulsory for the purposes of promoting greater safety in retreaded tyres and to ensure that these tyres are adequately marked and are not substandard.
Before introducing such compulsory requirements I am obliged under Directive EEC 83/189 to signify my intention both to the EC Commission and the other member states and to take into account any views they might communicate in the matter. The period of notification under the directive will expire in the middle of April and it is my intention to introduce the necessary order as soon as possible after that date.
The order which I propose will also allow for the sale of tyres which meet the requirements of national standards of other member states which are equivalent to IS 412:1988. The National Standards Authority of Ireland will advise on those standards which are considered equivalent. I understand that the standards applicable to retreaded tyres in the UK would be acceptable as equivalent standards.