asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the activities of wholesalers' associations directing their activities to the maintenance of high price levels to retailers are adversely affecting the cost of living in so far as certain classes of proprietary tinned and bottled foodstuffs are concerned; and if so, whether he is prepared to take the necessary action in order to prevent the cost of living being artificially kept up.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Tinned and Bottled Foodstuffs.
My attention has been drawn to complaints alleging that certain Irish trade associations have endeavoured to prevent supplies of goods such as those mentioned by the Deputy being made available to traders who are not members of the associations and who have sold the goods at prices below those fixed by the manufacturers. As I have indicated in reply to previous questions, these restrictive practices on trade are being considered.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave to him in Dáil Éireann on 17th November, 1949, to the effect that the prices of some tinned and bottled foodstuffs are controlled either directly by Order fixing maximum retail prices or indirectly by arrangement with the manufacturers or importers.
In view of the fact that some traders are able to sell these goods at reduced prices, would the Minister consider a re-examination of the percentage profit obtained by the general run of traders of these commodities?
The whole matter is under consideration. There are traders and traders, and there are wholesalers and there are agents.