asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the Fair Trade Commission propose to hold an inquiry into the supply and distribution of groceries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply and Distribution of Groceries.
Notice was given by the commission on 7th February, 1955, of their intention to hold an inquiry in relation to the supply and distribution of grocery goods and provisions. I am informed by the commission that they are at present engaged in preparatory work in connection with the inquiry and the public sittings will be commenced at the earliest practicable date.
Exactly one month ago the Minister told me this inquiry would be held very soon. In view of the fact that a month has passed and supplies are still being withheld from retailers, pending this inquiry, can he not even at this stage expedite the matter and have steps taken to have the inquiry held as soon as possible?
A considerable amount of preparatory work has to be undertaken by the commission before it can proceed to hold public sittings. It has got to receive submissions from a number of interested bodies.
Further arising out of that reply——
May I be permitted to finish? The commission has to await information from a number of interested bodies. The commission has been engaged since the time of the announcement in endeavouring to get these bodies, which should be concerned in this matter, to make their submissions so as to facilitate the commencement of the public hearing. The commission is anxious to undertake this work, is anxious to have the public sittings, but it must get co-operation from those who are interested.
Can the Minister give no approximate date?
If all the bodies concerned would co-operate speedily with the commission there would be no difficulty in giving a date on which the public sittings would commence. If there is reasonable expedition on the part of these bodies, it should be possible to have the public sittings held in a matter of three or four weeks.