asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Mr. Richard Talbot, who possesses the only petrol pump in the village of Moneygall, Cloughjordan, County Offaly, has been refused a supply of petrol because he is not a member of the Motor Traders' Association, and will not be accepted as a member thereof, and that this refusal is causing grave hardship to Mr. Talbot as the retailing of petrol has been his sole means of support for more than 30 years; and, if so, whether he will ensure a supply of petrol to Mr. Talbot to facilitate the general public of Moneygall, particularly in view of the fact that several persons in adjoining districts who are not members of the Motor Traders' Association, receive supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Supply (Tipperary).
It was reported to me that the gentleman, to whom the Deputy refers, has been refused a new petrol pump in replacement of an old pump which was no longer serviceable and that he was consequently unable to obtain supplies of petrol for resale. As I have informed Deputies in replies to questions in Dáil Éireann, I am considering as a matter of urgency the question as to the measures which can be taken to curb undesirable restrictive trade practices.
Are the Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister aware that there are quite a number of trade circles operating in the country such as the Motor Traders' Association——
This is one case, and the Deputy must, therefore, confine himself.
Would the Minister consider examining very carefully the cases of small traders who, because of the fact that they are not members of this association, have been completely put out of business, and will he introduce some sort of legislation to protect small traders?
I should like to ask whether the Minister has considered the possibility of legislation in this regard?
The restrictive trade practices to which the Deputy has referred have been under consideration for some time, not only as regards petrol but as regards a number of other cases, as well. The steps which can be taken will be announced after a decision has been reached. The question of any legislation will then also be announced.