asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is proposed to establish a tribunal or other body under the Prices Act to consider applications arising out of the Prices Stabilisation Order, 1965; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price Stabilisation.
33.
The Prices (Amendment) Act 1965 empowers me to establish bodies to advise me in relation to the exercise of my functions under the Act. I propose to use this power as and when the need arises but it is not my present intention to set up a tribunal or body to which all applications of the kind mentioned by the Deputy would be automatically referred.
34.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will impose a standstill on bus fares and electricity charges having regard to the substantial part of incomes which persons in urban areas are obliged to expend on these items.
I am not aware of any proposals to increase bus fares and electricity charges and, in the circumstances, the question of the imposition of a standstill on these fares and charges does not arise.
I can assure the Deputy that in the matter of proposals for price increases it is not my intention to give preferential treatment to the State-sponsored bodies responsible for bus fares and electricity charges, or, indeed, to any other State-sponsored bodies.
Does this apply to Dublin Corporation rents?
Can the Minister say that no charge whatsoever will be increased either by the ESB or CIE without his prior approval?
Without the Government's prior approval, no, while the Government deem it necessary to control prices.
Will the Minister give an undertaking that there will be a public declaration by him in this House when the Government no longer deem it necessary to control prices?
The order which exists in the circumstances in which the Government deem it necessary to have such powers expires in six months, and if it is not renewed, the House can take it that the Government do not deem it necessary to renew it.
We understand from the Minister that this order is not applicable to the essential services of transport and the ESB. Is that not the position?
The Order made by the Government empowers the Minister for Industry and Commerce, but the point I am making is that it is made in certain circumstances in which the Government deem the economic situation to make it necessary to have such an Order, and in the presence of such an Order, the Government, I presume, would not, without very strong reason, allow any price increases.
Can the Minister say if this applies in the case of any proposal to increase the rents of Dublin Corporation tenants? Has the Minister any similar power to intervene to prevent any such increase in the cost of living for these people?
I do not know if the Act gives that power. I would have to have advice on whether this would be a service.
Would the Minister think it desirable?
Is a businessman or a property owner controlled as to what rent he can charge?
Can a landlord increase his rents?
I would have to get advice as to whether these rents are a service within the meaning of the Act.
Will the Minister do that as quickly as possible? This is very important to the people of Ballyfermot.