asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a firm of manufacturing chemists are making it a condition for the supply of certain commodities to wholesalers that a written guarantee be given by these wholesalers that they will not supply any retailer who sells below the price suggested by the manufacturer; and, if so, whether he will have the matter referred forthwith for investigation by the Fair Trade Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retail Price Maintenance.
I will bring the subject matter of the Deputy's question to the notice of the Fair Trade Commission for their early consideration.
Is the Minister aware that this particular matter was referred to them by the wholesalers concerned as early as last March and, furthermore, that the items concerned are essentials—baby foods and milk of magnesia—and could he give me an assurance that he will ask them, even on the basis of the representations made to them already, to act immediately?
The Fair Trade Commission is dealing at present with the general question of price maintenance —on which at present there are two points of view. I prefer at this stage to make no comment as to what the commission should do and, in all the circumstances, I think it is better to await the report from the Fair Trade Commission, which will have an opportunity of considering all aspects of the matter.