asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a private firm proposed to operate a retail shop in Ireland House, Bond Street, London; and that subsequent to this firm making arrangements to open the shop a subsidiary company of Córas Tráchtála decided to operate a somewhat similar shop; if he considers it desirable that a State sponsored company should compete in this case when a private firm was prepared to do the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland House (London) Shop.
67.
I am not aware that any private firm made arrangements to operate the proposed shop in Ireland House, London. I understand that Córas Tráchtála had discussions with a number of private firms but that none of them was prepared to operate the shop. Córas Tráchtála are therefore themselves arranging to do so through a subsidiary company which will operate on a commercial basis.
Is the Minister not aware that a private firm had discussions with Córas Tráchtála and in fact got approval from Córas Tráchtála for a proposal to establish a shop and that subsequent to that approval, it came to their knowledge or notice that Córas Tráchtála was going to open a shop under a subsidiary? Is the Minister satisfied that where private enterprise is prepared to do the job, it should be allowed to do it without interference?
As I said, I would be very happy if private enterprise would do it. Córas Tráchtála had some arrangement made with a firm who withdrew. The firm itself decided not to operate the shop and another tenant was sought.
Is the Minister aware that representations were made to his Department about this proposal, objecting to the fact that after this firm had made arrangements to operate the shop, it was decided to open a similar shop under subsidiary?
Would it be possible that the Deputy is thinking of another shopowner operating in London who objected to this shop?
There was no objection so far as I know.
The only objection of which I have heard came from the owner of another shop in London, a shop that sells Irish goods. Córas Tráchtála were unable to get any private enterprise to operate the shop in Ireland House.
This particular proposal was to sell the same goods as the subsidiary of Córas Tráchtála now proposes to do. Negotiations had been entered into for a premises which had been approved by Córas Tráchtála as suitable and discussions took place as to the type of business to be carried on and the particular concern was approved and given certain advice. Afterwards they said that the subsidiary of CTT was to do the very same type of business.
I think it is possible that what I said already is the case: a shop already in existence in London, selling Irish goods and receiving quite a degree of support and advice from CTT, objected to the operation by CTT of a shop in Ireland House. This other person did not seek to operate a shop in Ireland House or the shop premises there. In any event, if the Deputy is thinking of that person, he has been assured that the shop in Ireland House would be given to private enterprise if private enterprise would have it, that it would be run on a commercial basis and that it should stimulate further interest in Irish goods and so help the other shop. It would not cover the range of goods already being covered by the existing shop.
Is it definite that a subsidiary of CTT will compete with private enterprise in carrying on a similar type of business?
No, the whole basis of the shop in Ireland House is as a showroom of quality Irish goods. It is the experience of CTT that the showing of goods without being able to sell them is discouraging to people whose interest has been attracted and this was the basis of the decision to have a shop which would show goods and also permit people to buy them. In this way they will be in competition but not over the full range and certainly the existence of this showroom of high-quality Irish goods should stimulate interest in Irish goods and stimulate trade in the other shop.
I understand this firm are prepared to sell goods as well as show them.
But not in Ireland House.
Similar premises.
Mr. O'Leary
Is the private enterprise firm an English one or an Irish one?
It is in England.
Mr. O'Leary
Is it a London company?
It is a man. I have only his name. His origins are not available to me.
Mr. O'Leary
Is he an Irishman?
This man has a shop in London which sells Irish goods. He has had a lot of help from CTT in doing so. Another shop in Ireland House for the exhibition of quality Irish goods is being opened and he finds some objection to this as it will be in competition with him.
Mr. O'Leary
I do not think we should stick slavishly to this business of private enterprise where it can be a question of Irish State enterprise.
It is between the two of you, so.
I think Irish people are entitled to have a fair crack of the whip if they are trying to develop an export trade.
The main thing is that Irish goods should be sold. I think it essential to have a display of high-quality Irish goods.