SOME TRUCK TYRES NOW OFF RATIONING

Chronicle (Levin), 2 October 1946, Page 5

SOME TRUCK TYRES NOW OFF RATIONING

supply position improves WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. "The truek tyre aud tube supph position has improved in some sizes to .the extent that the Government has decided to remove rationing on such sizes from today," said the Minister oi Supply, Hon. D. G. Sullivan tonight. The Minister said he had previously indicated that tyre rationirrg would be' revoked as soon as sufficient quantities were available and as far as truek tyres were concerned, there were now adequate stocks obtainable in eertaiu sizes to meet the needs of all operators using such sizes, providing the users did not pui'chase for stock purposes. "I must emphasise, " continued the Minister, "that it will not be possible at this juncture to lift rationing on ■four large truek sizes, certain other truek sizes which can be fitted to cars, nor on the main ear tyre range. The supply position in such sizes is still crifieal and although it has been possible to make larger quotas available in the last two mon-ths, there will be no possibility of lifting rationing com pletely until some time in 1947. "A mistaken impression is existing in certain quartevs regarding the lifting of rationing. As far as ear tjTes are concerned, 'they have been the subject of representations made to me by the Tyre Advisory Committee and I agree with their contention that it will not lre possible to revoke all eontrols in the near future.,, The Minister, in giving the list of those tyre and truclc sizes which would still be subjeet to rationing, said control had been lifted from a few ear tvres and tubes, the reason being tliat there were some ear and motor cyelo sizes which were more or less obsolete and verv difficult to obtain today. It, therefore, had been considered unnecessary to inolude those sizes under control and subjeet the "u'sers to ' the necessity' for making applications aird seeuring permits when there were nb stocks eoming to hand. If by any clianee such sizes could be located they could be purcliased without rest.rietio'n. The Minister said efforts were still •being made by the Government and Tyre Importers'' Association to secure tyres wherever possible and rationing on all tyres would be lifted at the earliest opportunity.