Transport Minister Ewart Brown admitted to Parliament on Friday night that "procedural irregularities'' led to the illegal importation of oversize cars this year.

While Dr. Brown did not elaborate what the irregularities were, he said further importations had been stopped -- but Government was looking into the problem of manufacturers gradually increasing the size of their lines outside of local limits.

Dr. Brown, in a "clarification'', said there were two types of oversize cars here.

The legal ones were official vehicles like the Governor's and the US Consul General's and Ministerial cars.

Other cars had been imported, including taxis, he said, adding: "That happened because of procedural irregularities.

"To elaborate would be unfair to people not in this chamber. These irregularities won't be happening again. Government continues to discuss the idea of increasing the size dimensions.'' Dr. Brown continued: "That's not been taken off the table. The Opposition should accept not just November 9, 1998. But also the decisions of that Government since that date.

"Haven't they noticed that we have moved way past cars,'' he added. "It was always reasonable to put cars behind us.'' His shadow, Erwin Adderly called Dr. Brown's admission: "That sounds contradictory. The Minister would have to explain that more clearly.

"A year ago when asked whether Government would increase the size of cars he said categorically, no. I predict they will be legalised. Because there is a significant impediment (to dealers) if this doesn't take place. And Government may be liable if the cars are not allowed into the Island.''