asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ensure that evidence on profit margins will be considered by the inquiry into the affairs of the licensed trade.
44.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inquiry into Liquor Prices.
43.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in order to ensure that the inquiry into the affairs of the licensed trade may settle the question of whether publicans in many areas outside Dublin city cannot make a living owing to the over-licensing of the country, he will extend the scope of the inquiry to allow evidence of this to be given.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together. I have requested the Fair Trade Commission to hold a public inquiry into various aspects of the intoxicating liquor and soft drink trades and it will be the responsibility of the Commission to take evidence on all matters which fall within the inquiry. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that questions relating directly to the licensing of premises are not within the scope of the Restrictive Trade Practices Acts and it would be for the Fair Trade Commission to consider only such aspects of such questions as would be relevant to the terms of the inquiry.
45.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he considers it desirable that, pending the results of the investigation of the proposed increases in drink prices initiated by him, these new increases should remain in force; and if he will take steps to ensure that these increases which are under investigation will not continue in force until such time as the need for them is established.
Pending the receipt by me of the report of the Fair Trade Commission on their inquiry into retail prices for drink, I have no statutory powers to take any action with regard to these prices.
Questions Nos. 46, 47, 48, 49 and 50 postponed.
Could the Minister say when he expects these questions will be answered?
The questions are being postponed at the request of the Deputy who tabled them.