asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is a condition by regulation or otherwise that shopkeepers must display their prices in respect of the articles which they have for sale; if so, what system has been in operation to ensure that this regulation is adhered to; and what penalties can be imposed on a shopkeeper who does not conform with it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Display of Prices.
31.
The Retail Price (Food) Display Order, 1963, which I made under Section 19 of the Prices Act, 1958, requires shopkeepers to display on their premises the retail prices charged by them for specified commodities.This Order came into operation on the 11th November, 1963.
It is provided by Section 26 of the Prices Act, 1958, that on summary conviction for an offence under any section of the Act, a person shall be liable to a maximum fine of £100 or, to a term of imprisonment or, to both.
Is this the only action the Minister proposes to take with regard to control of prices?
I have told the House that I instructed the Fair Trade Commission to investigate general price trends and I understand they are taking active steps——
Does that investigation include the prices of specific commodities?
It will include prices of specific commodities, in so far as these prices may be maintained by concerted action by the traders.
And outside of that?
Is any specific commodity being investigated at the present time?
The Fair Trade Commission are making a general investigation of prices. There is no specific investigation at present and I do not think it would be proper for me to indicate what investigations they are carrying out until they decide on appropriate action.
Did the Minister give any specific instructions to these people as to when they should report?
I gave no instruction as to the period.
They may report whenever they like?
I have asked them to carry out certain investigations as a matter of urgency. I expect they will be communicating with me in a reasonably short time.
Months.
Have you asked them to inquire into the price of coal at the moment?
They will take a general look round—that is all.
You made the best speech of your life the week before last and you raised the Government majority to four.
The Minister is welcome to them.
He is surely welcome to them—Hans Christian.
I am sure he is proud of his majority.
Order.