asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the high prices being charged for wallpaper; and, if so, whether he will request the Prices Advisory Body to examine the profits made by retailers in the sale of this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wallpaper Prices.
Wallpaper is available at a wide range of wholesale and retail prices. Having regard to the price of raw materials and production costs I am satisfied that the profits of the manufacturers are reasonable. The profit margins taken by distributors here are on the same basis as those prevailing in the case of wallpapers manufactured and sold in Great Britain.
The profits of the manufacturers and distributors are subject to scrutiny by the prices branch and if on examination it was considered that excessive profits were being made in any case the matter would be referred to the Prices Advisory Body, or the Prices Advisory Body may on their own initiative, or at the request of any section of the public, inquire into the prices charged for any commodity or service.
Is the Minister aware that the class of wallpaper generally dispatched from the manufacturer to the retailer is invoiced at about 3/- per piece less 20 per cent., and that these retailers sell the same paper at 6/- per piece, which gives them a profit of approximately 120 per cent?
I have given the Deputy the information available to my Department, that the profit margins taken by distributors here are on the same basis as those prevailing in the case of wallpapers manufactured and sold in Great Britain. The prices section of the Department of Industry and Commerce have looked into the matter. They think that the present prices are reasonable having regard to the costs. If any section or body wants to take the matter up with the Prices Advisory Body that can be done.
Is the Minister aware that the present excessive prices for wallpaper are due to the disreputable wallpaper manufacturing racket that is being run in this country under the protection of tariffs and quotas?
I object to Deputy Dillon taking advantage of his position of immunity in this House to describe people who are producing something as racketeers. There are quite a few people in distribution who could be so described.
Did I hear the Minister say that this question had been referred to the prices section of the Department of Industry and Commerce?
The prices section of Industry and Commerce have had the matter under review. They see nothing upon which they could base a case before the Prices Advisory Body. If the Deputy or anybody else in the country or any group of people in the country differ from the view taken by the prices section of Industry and Commerce they have the right of direct appeal to the Prices Advisory Body.
From the information he has got, can the Minister state whether there is any unreasonable profit either by the manufacturer or the distributors?
That satisfies Deputy Corish.