asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that manufacturers of building materials refuse to open new accounts or to do business with new firms of builders' providers; whether this type of restriction was investigated during the inquiry referred to by him in reply to a question of the 9th instant and, if not, whether he will inquire into the matter to ascertain if a ring exists to restrict the business of builders' providers to old established firms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Builder's Providers.
I am aware that certain manufacturers of building materials have refused to supply their products to some persons trading as builders' providers. This type of restriction was examined in the course of the general inquiry completed recently into restrictive practices in trade and the results obtained are at present under consideration.
The matter is one of some complexity as no action to curb these practices which would be entirely satisfactory seems to be possible without legislation and before a decision to promote legislation can be taken it will be necessary to consider, amongst other things, the measures that would be required to make legislative provisions fully effective for the purpose in view.