I have no plans to introduce detailed price control in respect of rental charges for television sets, videos and other products, as I believe that it discourages competition and indeed fuels an inflation mentality.
The continuing general thrust of policy here, also adopted by previous Governments since the mid-eighties, is to promote competition and refrain from direct inteference in trade and to avoid any controls, measures or structures that would impose unnecessary burdens or consume scarce Exchequer resources, funded by taxpayers.
I would emphasise that, ultimately, it is in the hands of consumers themselves to ensure that they reap the benefits of a competitive market by being aware of price developments and prices charged by different outlets and by purchasing accordingly.