Vol. 241 No. 8
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his Department are satisfied that the recent increases in drink prices were justified; whether his Department were consulted before the increases were announced; and whether he proposes to take any action in consultation with the interests involved.
68.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his Department contemplate any action to ensure uniformity in drink prices.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 68 together.
I recently cleared proposals for price increases by distillers for their products to compensate, in part, for increased production costs. These price increases, after allowing margins for the trade, resulted in increases in prices at retail level of 2d per glass generally and of 4d per glass for one particular brand.
Statutory control is not now exercised over drink retail prices, but I am prepared to have complaints about charges investigated. Incidentally, I am not concerned to ensure uniformity in drink prices. Competition in price between publicans is not to be discouraged.
69.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if in the consumer interest generally and in the tourist interest in particular his Department will ensure by order or by the introduction of amending legislation if necessary, that detailed price lists are displayed in both bar and lounge areas of all licensed premises, including hotels.
I should like to see lists displayed in licensed premises showing the prices charged for popular drinks, provided they are not lists prepared by associations with a view to restricting competition. I do not think the requirements of the public interest could be said to justify the introduction of legislation to that end at present but I am keeping the subject under review.
