Batt O'Keeffe
Question:44 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether the review of the trading houses established under the 1988 scheme has been completed; and the current position in this regard. [21989/96]
Written Answers. - Trading House Scheme.
Martin Cullen
Question:90 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the turnover in 1995 of the eight trading houses in the 1988 trading house scheme; and if he will make a statement on the future of the scheme. [21991/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 90 together.
The current review of the special trading house scheme at my Department is due to be completed before the end of this year. From preliminary information received from licensees it is estimated that total sales achieved in 1995 were £28.5 million accounted for by nine trading houses. Five of these trading houses are actively trading while the other four had modest sales in 1995 but have little or no sales projections for the future and-or are only trading on a reactive basis. The other 12 trading houses licensed since the scheme was introduced have ceased to trade. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the future of the scheme until the review has been completed.