asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the excessive profit mark-up on motor vehicle spare parts as compared with profit margins in Northern Ireland; and the steps he proposes to take to redress this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Vehicle Spare Parts.
4.
I am aware that the National Prices Commission in their August-September 1980 monthly report published information on the price of spare parts for passenger motor vehicles which included, inter alia, a comparison with Northern Ireland prices, and that the commission concluded that there is a prima facie case that the margins being taken here on some spare parts are excessive. The commission have, however, indicated that they considered it necessary to pursue the price comparisons further, and I expect to receive a supplementary report from them in the near future. The commission's report has also been referred to the Examiner of Restrictive Practices to enable him to review the trade practices referred to therein.
Is the Minister aware that long before the commission reported, over three years ago, there was an undertaking given by the Minister's party to investigate this very point, to ensure that this discrepancy did not continue to arise? Would the Minister agree that it has taken a report from the National Prices Commission to refresh his memory, which report he is now awaiting? Is the Minister prepared to admit that in the past three years nothing has been done to redress this imbalance despite the fact that a promise was solemnly given in 1977?
I do not believe what the Deputy has said. As I have said, a supplementary report is due in the very near future. That explains the position.
What steps does the Minister propose to take to redress this imbalance in price?
When we get the report we will act thereon. We shall have to look at the report first.
I take it that there will be action taken as a consequence of this report?
When one receives a report one must first examine it. One does not announce one's actions beforehand.
Has it not been established by now that there is something wrong here?
I have explained in my reply that there is a prima facie case that the margins being taken on some spare parts are excessive and that is why the report——
Question No. 5.
Has the Minister commissioned the report he is now awaiting?
I referred the Deputy back, in the course of my reply, to the National Prices Commission August-September 1980 monthly report.
I appreciate that, but I understand that the Minister is now awaiting a further investigation.
That is right.
Would the Minister please reply to Question No. 5?