asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that supplies of essential commodities are being withheld from wholesalers by a firm of manufacturing chemists for reasons connected with resale price maintenance although the Fair Trade Commission has made no order on resale price maintenance; and if he will ensure that supplies of these goods be resumed forthwith pending the decision of the Fair Trade Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wholesale Chemists' Supplies.
In accordance with the undertaking which I gave in the course of my reply to an earlier question by the Deputy on this subject on 15th June, 1954, I have brought the matter in question to the notice of the Fair Trade Commission and it is at present under consideration by that body.
The point in my question here is that pending the Fair Trade Commission's ruling on the matter supplies are being withheld from wholesalers. This is rather serious because the retailers who are suffering are rural retailers, the country chemists, and the commodities are baby foods and milk of magnesia. Could the Minister not give an assurance that until the Fair Trade Commission rule one way or the other these supplies will be continued?
I told the Deputy in the second portion of my reply that I have brought the matter to the notice of the Fair Trade Commission and it is at present under consideration by that body. I do not think it will be long until the particular point at issue has been dealt with. If, however, the Deputy cares to furnish particulars of whatever complaint she has in mind, I will be glad to see that it is specifically dealt with by the Fair Trade Commission.
On a point of information, has the Minister any function in a matter like this? Could he not give an order that supplies will not be withheld while the inquiry is proceeding? The commodities referred to have been held up for nearly four weeks.
I am in the disadvantageous position that I have no actual complaint from the Deputy and no opportunity of ascertaining the merits of the grievance in this case. If the Deputy will furnish detailed information, I will undertake to have the matter considered with reference to this particular case which the Deputy has in mind. The other aspect of the matter is, as I explained in my reply, at present under consideration by the Fair Trade Commission.