I move:—
That Seanad Éireann hereby approves of the Control of Imports (Quota No. 10) Order, 1934 (Road Vehicle Bodies) (Amendment) Order, 1952.
Control of Imports (Quota No. 10) Order, 1934 (Road Vehicle Bodies) (Amendment) Order, 1952—Approval Motion.
The control of imports of motor vehicles and assembled parts of vehicles designed for the carriage of passengers has been in operation here since 1934, but we have not had up to now similar restrictions upon the importation of vehicles and bodies of vehicles designed for the carriage of goods. Some time ago the National Union of Vehicle Builders and the Coachbuilders' Association, representing both parties concerned in the production of commercial motor vehicles, represented to me that it was desirable that similar quantitive control of imports of commercial vehicles should be established as in the case of private cars. They were concerned at the extent to which completely assembled commercial vehicles were being imported, even though they were subject to customs duty. While they claimed that motor vehicles of this character should be assembled here and the bodies for them constructed here, as cheaply or cheaper than elsewhere, there were such advantages in certain cases, particularly in the matter of expeditious delivery, that the tendency towards the importation of complete vehicles was growing.
There are two types of bodies used on these commercial vehicles—the pressed steel body which is similar in character to the body of a private saloon car and where only assembly work is involved here and the coach-built type which can be completely manufactured in this country. Following receipt of the representations from these organisations, I consulted the Irish Motor Traders' Association. I found that they supported the application which, they conceded, would result in considerable employment in the assembly trade as well as in the coach-building trade. Apart from any direct increase in employment in the motor works and coach-building yards, the operation of the quota Order should also expand the internal demand for various motor car parts including tyres, tubes, springs, bulbs, batteries, glass, paint and upholstery, all of which are manufactured here but which would come in already fitted to the completely assembled cars. In view of the nature of the representations made and the fact that the representations were being supported by the body that might have been expected to oppose it if there were any substantial argument against the course recommended, the Government decided to make this quota Order. Under the quota Order certain quotas have been established. They are utilised entirely to enable the different firms engaged in motor assembly to bring in prototypes of new designs for reproduction here.
As the immediate past President of the Society of Irish Motor Traders, I want to endorse what the Minister has just said. This little Bill removes an anomaly. Since the assembly of motor vehicles in this country was started some years ago, many vehicles had to be assembled here to a greater degree than in the case of others. Because of a loophole in the old arrangement, certain types of commercial vehicles came in here quite freely. We did not adopt any dog-in-the-manger attitude about the matter but many vehicles, competitive in type with others that were being built or assembled in this country, were being imported when there was no need to do so other than that by quick importation they were able to get business whereas those people here who were complying with the spirit as well as the letter of the law were taking longer to build and assemble the vehicle.
This is a highly technical matter and the pros and cons of it were argued with the Minister himself. After full investigation we feel that this is a desirable measure.
Question put and agreed to.