I read with utter surprise the statement made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce that he will be meeting shortly with importers of new tyres to examine if these can be imported at a cheaper cost! Well firstly one must examine once again the difference between price and cost. It would appear that many persons in authority (in private and government business) have tremendous difficulty in recognising, much less understanding the difference.
All drivers of vehicles (private and hire) understand quite clearly that they are better served using new tyres. They last longer, the vehicle handles better, the braking distance improves and ultimately they cost less (due to months or years instead of weeks or sometimes days of use). So why after meeting the used tyre importers do we schedule another meeting with importers of new tyres?
The answer lies in confusion on the part of our ‘leaders’ not realising that each decision must be examined, taking into consideration overarching policy or the direction of the country’s developmental thrust. So if we are pursuing the enlightened environmental proposal of creating wealth from our standing forests, how in good conscience can we continue to import other country’s waste, putting a strain on the same ecosystem we are trying to preserve? I would encourage the Minister to engage lending institutions, such as banks, credit unions and hire purchase companies to offer their services to citizens who need help to finance new tyre purchases. He is indeed situated in the correct ministry to engage the relevant stakeholders. To ask new tyre importers to reduce their prices is admirable, but futile. Competition and opportunity will regulate such prices, and more new tyres being purchased because of available financing will stabilise these prices.
By the way, what are the duties and taxes levied on tyres? Maybe the Minister is better placed to influence a cost reduction by engaging the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on this issue.
Lastly our Bureau of Standards will have us believe that the quality of used tyres has improved! What rot. I am alarmed that the entity tasked with protecting consumers could utter such a statement. We are indeed in big trouble. When the Bureau is able to control the quality of matches being imported, my opinion may change.
Lastly, some things cannot be measured in dollars and cents alone. Good sense and safety must be factored into decisions. Would the Minister or the Director of the Bureau of Standards be comfortable with their children, grandchildren, loved ones and friends travelling in vehicles with the well-tested and examined used tyres?
Yours faithfully,
Everall Franklin, MP
