asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what investigation was made by the Fair Trade Commission before making Fair Trading Rules (Serial No. 10) ; whether all interested parties concerned were heard before any draft of the rules was made, and, if so, how many appeared before the commission; whether the hearings were public or private; whether any transcript of the evidence given was made, and whether it is available to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fair Trading Rules.
In accordance with Section 5 of the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1953, the Fair Trade Commission published notice of their intention to make Fair Trading Rules for carpets and rugs and all interested parties were given an opportunity to make written representations in relation to the proposed rules. The commission did not take formal evidence from witnesses.
As the Deputy is doubtless aware, I have no direct statutory responsibility in regard to Fair Trading Rules as the power to make these rules is vested by law in the Fair Trade Commission. In these circumstanoes, the Deputy might, perhaps, approach the commission directly if there is any further information he requires.