asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that certain manufactures and wholesalers compel retailers to charge fixed minimum prices for certain goods and that, although in many cases the retailers would be satisfied with smaller profits, they are unable to reduce prices as they would be struck off the traders' lists if they did so; and, if so, if he will have immediate steps taken to end this compulsory practice so as to foster competition and reduce prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Fixing.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply which I gave to a somewhat similar question on the 22nd November, 1951. A Bill containing legislative proposals dealing with restrictive trade practices is in course of preparation; and the proposals will relate also to resale price maintenance.
Am I to infer from the Minister's reply that until that Bill is introduced the retailers will be compelled to charge higher prices than they wish to charge and that the people will be compelled to pay them? Would the Minister tell me the difference between that state of affairs and an armed holdup?
The Deputy can take it that until the Bill is passed there is no legal power to deal with the matter.
It is a most essential Bill.