asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the inquiry into restrictive practices in trade has now been completed, and if he will indicate when new applicants licensed to sell petrol can hope for some relief from the motor trade regulations, which preclude their obtaining petrol supplies unless they build garages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictive Trade Practices.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the rural community are greatly inconvenienced by the action of the petrol distributing monoploy in refusing to allow petrol to be sold in certain villages unless the applicant agrees to fulfil certain unreasonable conditions imposed by the company, and if he will take steps to stop this restrictive practice.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.
I am aware that dissatisfaction is being created because restrictions have been applied in connection with the retail distribution of petrol. The inquiry into such restrictive practices has been completed and the results are being considered so that the remedial action to be taken can be decided.
Could the Minister say when action will be taken in this matter? Is he aware that in certain villages seven or eight miles from Cork people are unable to purchase petrol, that applicants for petrol pumps will not be given allocations and that, consequently, the people living in these villages are compelled to travel to Cork for their petrol supplies?
I am fully aware of the situation and I can assure the Deputy that there will be no avoidable delay in taking the necessary steps to deal with it.