asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will carry out a survey to ascertain the effect of decimalisation on retail price levels.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Effect of Decimalisation on Prices.
39.
I do not think that a special survey to ascertain the effect of decimalisation on retail price levels would be warranted.
My Department is keeping a close watch on price increases following decimalisation and all cases of overcharging brought to my notice will be investigated.
May I suggest that without a survey the Minister may not know the facts? Does the Department know there is overcharging and that a survey is very necessary? There is considerable unease among the public because prices have risen considerably since the change-over to decimals. The only way to find out if this is so is to have a survey.
Would the Minister take it that certain citizens have already done their own investigation into price increases and have succeeded in having price reductions effected? Why cannot the Department do this?
Over 300 complaints were received. In general where the complaint was found to be well-founded—in a number of cases it was not—satisfactory adjustments in prices were effected. There have been a few cases in which that has not happened and these are being pursued.
Were there prosecutions?
I am not aware of any.
If people knew that a survey was not to be carried out, unscrupluous people would take advantage of the change-over——
People who are taking a chance on this will not be deflected. They know that their customers are liable to report them at any time.
How many of the 300 complaints were justified? For how many was there no basis?
I have not the break-down on that.