asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is now in a position to state what steps he intends to take to ensure a supply of petrol in rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Petrol Supplies.
Imports of petrol are adequate to meet the demand and I am not aware of any dislocation of the arrangements for the distribution of petrol in rural areas. I will, however, be prepared to investigate any case of difficulty which the Deputy may bring to my notice.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that petrol companies have refused to permit persons in villages to supply petrol in those areas and that in certain rural districts, where there is a considerable number of cars, vans and tractors, because of the restrictive practices adopted by the Motor Traders' Association and by the petrol companies, it is impossible for people in these areas to get supplies of petrol?
I am not aware of all the things which the Deputy has put in his supplementary.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that this matter was raised in the House before the recess and that the Minister on that occasion said that he had proposals ready to present to the Government to prevent these restrictive practices from being continued?
The question of restrictive practices is a matter which is under very close consideration by the Department of Industry and Commerce. Presumably the matter to which the Deputy refers forms portion of that topic. It is a matter on which the Motor Traders' Association has been pressed from time to time by the Department.