andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the present position in relation to the studies by the National Prices Commission on (a) veterinary surgeons' fees (b) the taxi industry (c) potato prices (d) the market for white industrial goods (e) transport and distribution costs in the Republic in comparison with Northern Ireland (f) prices of spare parts for light commercial vehicles (g) audit fees (h) flour confectionery industry (i) drink retailing in Dublin (j) insurance (k) fish and poultry margins (l) importing and wholesale services (m) utilisation of domestic manufacturing resources and (n) control of margins on fruit and vegetables; and when the findings are likely to be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Prices Commission Studies.
23.
Since there is no study being undertaken on "the market for white industrial goods" it is assumed that the Deputies may have intended to refer to the study on "the market for white electrical goods".
Summaries of the reports on the studies on potato prices and drink retailing in Dublin were published in the July, 1977, report of the National Prices Commission.
Summaries of the reports on the studies on the Taxi industry, the market for white electrical goods, the prices of spare parts for light commercial vehicles and audit fees will be published in the commission's August-September, 1977, report.
The remaining studies are at various stages of progress and accordingly it is not possible now to indicate the likely publication date of any of these studies.
May I ask why the August-September report of the National Prices Commission has not been published yet?
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the commission and the Minister certain meetings of the commission had to be postponed. The August-September report will be available in the first week of November, it is hoped.
What were the circumstances?
The circumstances were of a personal nature due to the illness of the chairman.
24.
andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the up-to-date position in relation to the recommendations of the National Prices Commission as to how the paperwork requirements imposed on business by State agencies could be reduced and streamlined.
I would refer the Deputies to the January, 1977, report of the National Prices Commission in which the comments of both the private and public sectors on the findings of the study on the information requirements of State agencies were published. It will be noted that there are conflicting views on the merits of the recommendations. It is a matter for the Government Departments concerned to determine whether or not the commission's recommendations can be implemented. In the case of the Companies Registration Office, which is part of my Department, the recommendations are being implemented as far as possible.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the National Prices Commission and their consultants estimated that if the recommendations contained therein were implemented a saving of approximately £2.5 million could be made by Irish business and, if she accepts that, would she agree to use her good offices with other Departments that have responsibility in the area to ensure that so far as possible these recommendations are implemented?
I shall do that.
Are any of the recommendations being implemented?
Other Government Departments are involved outside the Department of Industry and Commerce. In the case of the Companies' Registration Office, which comes within the Minister's Department, the recommendations are being implemented as far as possible.