asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any check is maintained by his Department on the number of new supermarkets to be established in any particular area; whether any licence for supermarket establishment is required; and whether any consideration is given to the situation of established retailers in an area which is taken over by supermarket interests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Supermarkets.
98.
A close watch is being kept by my Department on the setting up of new supermarkets. At present a licence is not required for the establishment of a supermarket.
If a situation develops where there appears to be a danger that the growth of supermarkets would unduly affect the position of independent retailers I will be prepared to consider what measures can be introduced to deal with the matter.