asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that advertisements have appeared in the Press offering quantities of tea in bulk lots at prices varying from 4/- to 6/- per lb.; whether he has taken any and, if so, what steps to ascertain the quantities of tea held by individuals or firms for purposes of retail at excessive prices and whether he will state what action he intends taking to obtain possession of excessive supplies so hoarded and to fix a uniform price for all tea sold by retail.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Excessive Prices for Tea.
I am aware that offers of tea at 6/- a lb. were made in advertisements published in the Press during the month of February last. Since then, the offer of tea for sale in this manner has been made illegal under the terms of the Emergency Powers (Distribution of Tea) Order. Every applicant for a tea retailer's licence under Article 11 of the Emergency Powers (Distribution of Tea) Order, 1941, is required to give particulars of the tea stocks held by him. I am not aware that quantities of tea are held by individuals or firms for purposes of retail at excessive prices and any information in the Deputy's possession that excessive prices are being charged for tea or any other commodity will be welcomed by my Department. The sale of tea by retail by any person who does not hold a tea retailer's licence is also an offence under the Emergency Powers Order.
The question of fixing a uniform price for tea sold by retail has been under consideration in my Department. While no final decision has yet been taken on the matter my present attitude is against the adoption of such a course which would involve an appreciable increase in the prices now being paid by many classes of consumers.
Has the Minister himself read any of the advertisements referred to in the question and which appeared even on the eve of the date that the rationing scheme came into operation? Has he received in his Department any complaints of the kind referred to in the question; and, if so, what action has been taken or is proposed to be taken?
There is no kind of complaint referred to in the question.
Has the Minister's attention been drawn to advertisements in the papers even on the 4th April, the day before the rationing scheme came into operation?
I stated in my reply that I saw these advertisements.
I thought the Minister said that he saw the advertisements that appeared in February.