asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that R.G.D.A.T.A. has issued a circular to manufacturers and wholesale distributors instructing them not to supply 25 grocers named in the circular, and that, as a result, these grocers have had supplies withheld; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circular to Grocers.
I have seen a copy of the circular to which the Deputy refers. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that the Fair Trade Commission recently announced their intention to hold a public inquiry under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1953, in relation to the supply and distribution of grocery goods and provisions. I am having the subject-matter of the Deputy's question brought to the notice of the commission for consideration in connection with the inquiry.
Since I sent in my question, I know for a fact that in Shannon Bridge five mothers had to go eight miles to Ballinasloe to get baby foods because supplies of patent baby foods were withheld because they were sold below the suggested price.
The Deputy is giving information rather than asking for it.
Will the Minister treat this as a matter of urgency? The Fair Trade Commission may not meet for some weeks, and could he not introduce some interim measure?
I would suggest that the persons concerned might take up the matter with the Fair Trade Commission, and have the position inquired into by that body.
They have done so, and were told that the matter will be investigated in due course. Something more definite is necessary.
The Fair Trade Commission was set up under an Act to probe into certain things. I cannot discharge its functions. It must be allowed to do these things, and as I said in reply to the Deputy's question, representations made to me will be brought to the notice of the Fair Trade Commission.
Expeditiously, hope.