asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a person in the constituency of Waterford who recently opened a newsagency and bookshop and placed an order for magazines and periodicals with an English firm was informed by this firm that, as he was not a member of the Periodicals Proprietors' Association, his order could not be filled, and if he will state why this organisation are permitted to prevent Irish nationals from securing supplies of magazines and periodicals and carrying on their legitimate business.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - English Magazines and Periodicals.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.
From the information available to me it appears that the Periodicals Proprietors' Association of London will not supply magazines and other periodicals to any person in this country who is not a member of the Irish Retail News-agents', Booksellers' and Stationers' Association. I have been informed that the Irish association which I have mentioned will not admit to membership any new entrant to the business of newsagency or retailer of magazines and other periodicals. I have no power to compel the Irish association to admit any particular applicant for membership and, similarly, I have no power to interfere with the choice of customers by the Periodicals Proprietors' Association of London.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider taking discriminatory action against the Periodicals Proprietors' Association?