asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a firm (name supplied) in Dublin have informed him or the Restrictive Practices Commission of their intention to discontinue supplies to a person (name supplied) in County Meath despite undertakings given by the firm last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Firm's Petrol Supplies.
18.
I have had no communication in regard to petrol supplies to the person concerned. Neither, I understand, has the matter been brought to the notice of the examiner of restrictive practices or the Restrictive Practices Commission. The commission, however, would not normally be involved in a matter relating to an individual trader.
I understand from the examiner of restrictive practices that the undertaking of the oil company still stands, that they will not discontinue supplies in any case without first giving him the opportunity of making a full investigation of the matter. The objective of the examiner in this matter is, while recognising the interest which the oil company have in making outlets economic, to ensure that conditions of supply for the supply of petrol will be fair to the independent retailers who should be given the opportunity to make any adjustments which might be required. I have referred the case mentioned by the Deputy to the examiner of restrictive practices.
This person was told by the oil company that she got her last supply of petrol from them. She was one of their first clients in County Meath in 1908. The Minister mentioned that this oil company had given him an undertaking that they would notify the Restrictive Practices Commission before they discontinued supplies to any person. I should like to know if this person may expect supplies when the present supply runs out.
I understand the examiner is continuing to investigate complaints regarding petrol supplies. He confirms that the undertaking given by the company concerned that they will not discontinue petrol supplies in any case without first giving him the opportunity of making a full investigation still stands. The company have confirmed to the examiner that supplies have not been cut off from any dealer so far. However, they propose to meet the examiner by the end of this month to discuss their proposals with him. The examiner would strongly resist any proposal to depart from the previous undertaking about giving him a prior opportunity to investigate any case where the company propose to discontinue supplies.
In the Minister's original reply he indicated it was not normal for the Restrictive Practices Commission to look into complaints from individual traders. Is that a serious statement? If so, it is a new development.
I am not aware that it is a new development. If the Deputy cares to put down a question about it no doubt the Minister will answer it. I have no further data on that subject.
The Minister said the Restrictive Practices Commission do not look into complaints——
The part of the answer to which the Deputy has referred is as follows: "The Commission, however, would not normally be involved in a matter relating to an individual trader".
I am calling Question No. 19.