asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism (a) whether any report or recommendation was made following an investigation by the Restrictive Practices Commission into the operation of the supply and distribution of daily newspapers; if so (b) when the report or recommendation, if any, was submitted to him; and (c) the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Distribution of Daily Newspapers.
226.
The report of the inquiry by the Restrictive Practices Commission into the distribution of newspapers, periodicals and magazines by wholesalers contained a number of recommendations, the most important of which related to the establishment of a voluntary appeals board to which refusals to supply could be referred. The commission recommended that the proposed board should comprise representatives of the national newspapers but should also include a person, to be nominated by the Minister, whose duty it would be to ensure that the point of view of appellants received full and fair consideration.
Since the report was presented to the then Minister in mid-1979, negotiations have been in train with a view to the establishment of such a voluntary board. I am happy to say that arrangements have now been made to provide facilities for the board and I would hope that it would be able to commence very shortly.