asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will hold a public inquiry into widespread practices in the distributive trades of giving selected firms hidden subventions, special credit facilities, discounts and payments to the disadvantage of other traders; whether the Fair Trade Commission may investigate such matters and rule against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trading Practices.
38.
The Fair Trade Commission was established by legislation in 1953 to investigate the conditions which obtain in the supply and distribution of goods, if necessary by public inquiry. Nine such public inquiries held by the Commission have resulted in the making of ministerial orders prohibiting unfair trade practices and restrictive trade practices which operate against the public interest. Unfair discrimination of the type referred to in the question is prohibited by certain of these orders. The operation of these orders, which have been confirmed by the Oireachtas and have the force of law, is kept under review by the Commission. If I should receive evidence that any of them is being infringed, I would have no hesitation in bringing prosecutions against the offenders.