asked the Minister for Supplies whether, with a view to controlling the prices of commodities, and as a check to profiteering, he will request local authorities to establish local committees, to report to him any cases in which it appears that excessive prices are being charged for commodities in any area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Controlling Prices of Commodities.
I have not considered it necessary to request local authorities to establish local committees to report cases in which it appears that excessive prices are being charged. Since the outbreak of war arrangements have been in existence in my Department for dealing with complaints of overcharges and these arrangements have been availed of by consumers generally and by local authorities themselves. I have, however, under consideration the question whether any extension of these arrangements may be desirable in the future.
Will the Minister take my proposal into consideration when he is considering that question?
I will.
Is the Minister aware that I reported to his Department three months ago, on behalf of a countryman, a case of what appeared to be excessive overcharging in respect of a proprietary remedy and from that date to this I never heard a word of it?
The answer is in the negative.
Is the Minister aware of the reluctance of individuals in small towns to send in complaints to the Minister?
I must say I have no evidence of that reluctance.
There is a good deal of reluctance.
Is the Minister sending out his inspectors under the Prices Commission? Are they still functioning?
Yes.
Would they not be able to carry out this function?
They are doing so.