asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to the effect of the bonus agreements between the Imperial Tobacco Company and Saorstát retailers on the sale of Saorstát-made cigarettes and tobacco; whether he is aware that retailers are required as a condition of such agreements not to display the goods or advertising matter of any manufacturer other than the Imperial Tobacco Company; whether he has any information that retailers desirous of attracting custom for the products of other Saorstát factories are unable to risk the loss involved in consequence of the bonus scheme; and whether he has decided to take any action in the interest both of the consumer and of the tobacco industry in the Saorstát.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imperial Tobacco Company and Bonus Agreements with Retailers.
Information was obtained by my Department some months ago about this matter, which was also the subject of comment in the Press at a later date. I have, however, received no formal representation giving particulars of any injury stated to have been done to the interests of Saorstát retailers or manufacturers. In the event of facts being furnished to me indicating that any practice is being followed in the nature of an undue or unwarranted restraint of trade, I will have them examined to see what action is open to me.
Is the Minister aware that within recent months activities against retailers displaying the products of certain Irish manufacturers have been increasingly intensified to the extent that not only is objection taken to their goods being displayed in the windows but also to their advertisements?
Certain rumours to that effect have reached me but I am unable to get definite particulars on which action can be taken. If these were supplied the matter would assume a different aspect.
As this is a matter that has grown very much in intensity in recent weeks and as it may be too late to raise the matter next session I would ask the Ceann Comhairle to allow me to raise it on the adjournment to-night.