Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Mar 1963

Vol. 201 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gift Stamp Companies.

33.

Mr. O'Keeffe

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he considers that the operations of the non-national gift stamp companies constitute a parasitic growth on the distributive process; and whether he has instructed, or will instruct, the Fair Trade Commission to investigate the activities of these companies with a view to taking whatever steps are necessary to prevent such companies, which perform no useful function in the distributive process, from reaping a handsome reward at the expense of distributors and the public.

34.

Mr. O'Keeffe

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is the duty of the Fair Trade Commission to bring to the attention of distributors and the public the harmful effects of the operations of stamp companies; and, if so, if he will instruct the Fair Trade Commission to prepare and publish a suitable statement on the matter without delay.

Mr. J. Lynch

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

As I stated last week in reply to another question on this subject, I have received no complaints from the public or no representations by or on behalf of distributors about any injurious effects of stamp trading activities, participation in which is, of course, at the choice of the individual trader.

Stamp trading is not a restrictive practice and does not come within the scope of the Fair Trade Commission's functions. It is a matter for traders themselves to decide on the merits of the arrangements involved.