asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received any applications from taxi interests for permission to import second-hand London-type taxis; and, if so, the decision in these cases.

I have had some requests for permission to import used London-type taxis. The Motor Vehicles (Registration of Importers) Act, 1968, restricts imports of motor vehicles whether new or used to registered importers who are mainly firms engaged in the assembly industry here. While I have discretion under the Act to authorise the importation of a motor vehicle by a non-registered person the grant of such facilities is confined to special cases. These are normally cases involving permanent change of residence. As the Act was introduced to protect the motor assembly industry I would not be prepared to exercise my discretion by extending such facilities to allow the importation of used taxis by non-registered persons.

May we take it that that is the final answer and the Minister will not allow the importation of this type of vehicle?

Yes.

Having regard to the effect of this on the livelihood of many people, say, in the city of Dublin, would the Minister not be prepared to reopen negotiations with the taxi federation?

Any action by the Minister to undermine the assembly industry in this country and in Dublin, in particular, would have serious consequences, and I think the assurance I have given in response to Deputy Moore's question is one which will protect jobs.

Would the Minister not be prepared to look at the balancing situation of how the present cost of taxis is causing unemployment to taximen?

It is a matter for speculation as to whether that is the case, but if the assembly arrangements in this country were to be endangered it would not be a matter for speculation as to whether unemployment would result.

If the taxi federation can show proof to the Minister that many of their men have been rendered unemployed over the last year, would he look at that?

Of course the Minister is prepared to look at any new evidence on any subject under his care, but the basic policy outlined in response to this question is one which is designed to give protection to the motor assembly industry to the maximum possible extent. You cannot allow imports to take place on a large scale of fully built-up vehicles, for instance, in the taxi field, without endangering jobs in the assembly industry. It is a simple question of choice, one or the other; you cannot have both.