asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a firm of boot and shoe manufacturers refused to supply a Killarney trader with 6,000 units which he would normally be entitled to, and if he will state whether practices of this sort were investigated at the inquiry recently conducted by his Department into restrictive practices, and whether he will take immediate action in this case in view of its seriousness and urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictive Trade Practices.
I am aware that a firm of boot and shoe manufacturers have refused to supply a Killarney trader with their products. This case was investigated with others of a similar nature in connection with an inquiry into restrictive practices in trade and, as the Deputy is aware, I am considering the action which I will take to curb such practices. Pending a decision on the general issue, I will have further inquiries made in the particular case to which the Deputy has drawn attention.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to indicate when this inquiry will conclude and when it is likely the Minister will be in a position to introduce legislation on the lines contemplated?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that discrimination has taken place in this particular case and that we regard it as a serious matter? Does he regard one agent as sufficient in Killarney, whereas in towns of the same size and population in other parts of the country this firm has three agents? Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied with that arrangement?
As I told the Deputy, the particular case to which he has drawn attention is being further inquired into. In reply to Deputy Cowan's supplementary question, most of the work in connection with the inquiry has been completed and the question of what action can be taken is now under consideration.