asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of the number of applications for increases in prices under the Prices Amendment Act, 1965 (1) received and (2) approved by his Department during the past year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Increases.
75.
During the past 12 months, I was notified of 249 proposals for price increases. During the same period I indicated in 212 cases that I would raise no objection, but the scale of price increase agreed by me in a considerable number of these cases was less than that sought by the applicants. I should also point out that a substantial number of the price applications relating to the 212 cases were received by me more than 12 months ago.
76.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what means his Department have for ensuring that there is no unauthorised increase in the retail price of consumer goods.
I have power under the Prices Acts to fix maximum prices for consumer goods if necessary, but I consider that competition is the most effective means of price control at the retail level and, with the exception of milk prices in Dublin, the power given in the Prices Act is not, at present, applied.
Any complaints received by me about overcharging in retail prices are, of course, investigated by my Department.
The Minister is aware of a recent price increase for cigarettes. There is an increase of one penny per 20 cigarettes, but the Minister did not make provision for an increase on the packet of ten. Was he aware confusion would arise before he made the decision?
I was well aware of it.
Did he notify the public or the retailers?
There was an announcement, as the Deputy knows, and it directed attention to this particular problem and also to the fact, as had been suggested by the Decimal Currency Board in connection with the disappearance of the halfpenny, that where this kind of problem arose, retailers were obliged to level prices down as well as up. The announcement also stated that my Department would investigate this matter to see that the direction was complied with.
What means have the Department for ensuring that no unauthorised prices occur? That is what I had asked in my question. What I mean is how many inspectors the Department have to carry out investigations and to check prices? Can he tell us the results of his investigations into the retail price of ten cigarettes? Can he give us that information?
Of course, I cannot.
What means have the Department of checking that no unauthorised price increases occur in consumer goods? The Minister referred to the Prices (Amendment) Act, 1965.
I said that we will not apply price control at retail level except in connection with the price of milk in Dublin but that if there are complaints of overcharging they will be investigated.
The Minister said he has power if necessary. I have asked the Minister for the number of inspectors——
That is a separate question.
I think it is included in my question which asked what means the Department have for ensuring that there are no unauthorised increases.
I do not think the Deputy has grasped the answer which I have given which is that there is no control at retail level except in the case of milk in Dublin.
May I ask what the 1965 Prices Act refers to?
I do not know what the Deputy means.
Did we not have a Prices Bill in 1965?
Yes.
Is it still operative?
Yes.
I am asking what means the Department have for checking prices other than that for milk in Dublin.
Is the Deputy really asking is there control at retail level and if not, why not?
I have asked that a few times.
He did not say that at all.
Has the Minister inspectors checking on retail prices?
That is a different question altogether.