asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if the costs of repairs to motor cycle wheels including punctures is a matter of interest to the National Prices Commission; if such repairs are subject to price control, why such repairs are so expensive compared to repairs and punctures in respect of motor cars; and if he is aware of the general exorbitant charges for such motor cycle repairs (details supplied).
Written Answers. - Motor Cycle Wheel Repairs.
246.
Charges for repairs to motor cycle wheels, including punctures, come within the scope of the prices legislation and therefore within the purview of the National Prices Commission. From inquiries made it is understood that, because of the basic design features of motor cycles, repairs to wheels, including puncture repairs, are considerably more difficult and take longer than similar repairs to car wheels. In the circumstances charges tend to be higher. I understand that, for reasons of safety, many motor cycle dealers deem it necessary to replace a punctured tube rather than repair it, thereby increasing the cost of the service. In the case of one of the firms referred to by the Deputy it would appear, from an investigation carried out by the prices inspectorate, that a new tube was supplied and that this accounted for more than half of the cost involved.