asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that parts for ranges and cookers have increased in price by 50 per cent in the past 12 months; if he has sanctioned such increase; and, if so, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Range and Cooker Parts.
29.
I understand that one of the main manufacturers of cookers recently increased the prices of spare parts generally by substantial amounts. As I was not notified beforehand of the firm's intention to increase their prices for spare parts, I propose to have the matter taken up with this firm.
What is the Minister doing in the meantime?
Does the Minister's reply mean that the firm will not be allowed to sell at the new price until the Minister has investigated the matter?
This is the position. The claim has been made that the list price has been increased and an investigation into this alleged increase is being undertaken immediately since the increase was put on without the Department of Industry and Commerce being notified.
The firm will have to revert to the old price, will it, until there is a decision?
Officially, yes, they will have to revert.
The firm has been told this?
My information does not extend to whether they have been officially notified.
But they have been told they must sell at the old price until the Minister investigates?
I have not said that.
Will the Minister see that they are so told?
Was this matter first brought to the Minister's attention by the Parliamentary Question?
Yes.
And will there be a notice to the company that they must refund the increases and——
This should be——
——what penalties are imposed on companies which increase their prices without permission?
This has to be investigated.
Is there any penalty provided?
The Minister does not know.
The penalty arises from a prosecution.
Has the Minister or the Prices Commission got power to impose penalties and, if so, under what section of the Act?
That is a separate question.
It is not a separate question. It arises out of this.
It may arise, but it is not specifically—the possibility of this type——
Has the Minister looked into this question of penalties?
Not in relation to this question.
And the Minister has not notified the firm about this matter at all?
In reply to the very first supplementary which asked when did I first know that this had taken place I indicated that on receipt of the Parliamentary Question——
But did the Minister take action with the company immediately?
Action as indicated in the reply.
Did the Minister write to the company?
I have already said the matter is being taken up with the firm.
But the Minister has not written to the company yet?
Of course, I did. That involves writing.
Question No. 30 postponed.