asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the frequent price rises of most commodities in grocery shops, he will take a more lenient view of incorrect or lack of price display lists.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Display Lists.
3.
The purpose of the Retail Prices (Food) Display Order, 1973, is to enable consumers to compare the prices of specified food items in different retail outlets.
I am satisfied that the order is being applied in a reasonable manner, and that more lenient treatment of offenders would be contrary to the interests of consumers.
I have in mind the shopkeepers who buy once a month from wholesalers. In view of the fact that they may have the goods for more than a month and may not be aware of the price increase because they are not dealing directly with the companies concerned who have been granted the price increase, would the Parliamentary Secretary take a lenient view?
Their obligation would be to display the price at which they are selling the goods in the shop. It is in the interest of any good shopkeeper to display the price of the goods he is selling so that his wares can be compared with others.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider this in view of the fact that we have increases in the price of commodities almost daily?
I do not think there is any reason for departing from the practice in relation to the order.
I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary agrees that the increases occur daily?
I am talking about the Retail Prices (Food) Display Order.