asked the Minister for Justice whether any bottle manufacturer, wholesale bottler or licensed vintner has made representations to him (a) requesting the removal of and (b) protesting against any proposal to remove the statutory obligation to sell beer in bottles duly verified and stamped by special inspectors and, if so, if he will state the number and nature of such representations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Beer in Stamped Bottles.
12.
Mr. Ryan
No representations were received by me from any of the persons in the categories mentioned asking for an alteration of the present arrangements for the verification of beer bottles.
As I have already informed the House, in my reply to the Debate on the Second Reading of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, I received a printed memorandum which a trade association circulated to members of the Oireachtas generally, setting out what the association considered to be arguments against Section 30 of the Bill. The association's views were subsequently endorsed by two other firms connected with the trade.
I have, however, sent to those concerned a detailed explanation of the section which showed that their fears that Section 30 could lead to the fraudulent use of non-standard bottles were based on a misunderstanding of the effect of the section. I have, also, tabled an amendment designed to meet a new objection, not made in the printed memorandum but advanced to me in subsequent correspondence, namely that bottles used in the export trade might accidentally get mixed up with those in use in the home market if the home and export bottles were not readily distinguishable.
I am glad to be able to say that my information is that the various trade interests are satisfied with the explanation given and with the amendment proposed and have withdrawn their opposition to the proposals.