asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious plight of traders in provincial towns and villages, whose business has been ruined by the "travelling shops" and forms of rural combined trading subsidised from State funds, and if he will introduce legislation to deal with this matter and arrest the decay of these towns.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travelling Shops.
I am not aware that the conditions indicated in the first part of the Deputy's question exist. As regards travelling shops, provision was made in Section 21 of the Finance Act, 1938, which, as from the beginning of the present month, will have the effect of doubling the licence duty on travelling shops. Apart from this provision, it is not intended to introduce any special legislation in the matter at present.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he say if he intends to do anything in connection with the report of the commission which was made to him in 1934?
I have given the Deputy a reply.
I am asking the Minister if he intends to do anything with regard to the report of that commission. Is he refusing to do anything on the report?
I have stated in my reply that it is not intended to introduce any special legislation in the matter.
The people in the towns then can all die.