asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has investigated the case of restrictive practices by an international firm against a firm in Bray, County Wicklow (name supplied), and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restrictive Practices Operations.
46.
The investigation of restrictive practices in the supply and distribution of goods is a matter for the Fair Trade Commission who were established for that purpose under the Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1953. I, as Minister for Industry and Commerce, am not directly involved unless the commission hold a public inquiry following which I may make an order if it appears that the facts revealed in the commission's report justify such a course.
The Fair Trade Commission are at present investigating the case referred to by the Deputy and I am not in a position to make a statement in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that since November last this international firm have been responsible for almost stopping the sale of the products of the home firm? Is there not an urgent need for the Fair Trade Commission or whichever body are responsible, to report as soon as possible so that this Irish produced heater, which is the only one on the market, can be sold. It has got a certificate from the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards which is not accepted by this international company. The matter is under consideration by the Fair Trade Commission. The matter of whether the certificate has really been given or not is also being considered by the Fair Trade Commission.
Would the Minister not ask the Fair Trade Commission whether they have this request and if, in fact, they are satisfied that the article is up to standard? It is in the interest of the workers employed to have it done immediately, whether the others like it or not.
This matter has only been referred to the Fair Trade Commission recently. There has been no delay yet in the investigation.
Would the Minister say whether he has any idea how long such consideration should take? As it is only going into production, the firm concerned may have to close down unless they get certification for the heater.
The Deputy has said that this firm are really only going into production. A few years ago there was much talk about the inadequacies of this type of gas heater. It is natural that before the Fair Trade Commission would make a recommendation one way or the other they would have to be satisfied about the heater.
They should not hold it up until such time as the firm have to go out of existence.
The Fair Trade Commission could not agree to let the firm produce these heaters until such time as they decided that they should be produced.
The evidence exists if the Fair Trade Commission wanted to use it.
The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have already approved of this heater. This institute are highly regarded.
Yes, but there is a question of conformation by the institute of this heater. I have seen the correspondence which went to the Deputy in question. It is claimed that some of the allegations made by the firm themselves in the correspondence are not 100 per cent correct.
Give permission to go ahead and then it does not matter whether the information is correct or not.
This is too important. If the heater is not up to scratch I could be held liable.
Is the Minister aware that a certificate was issued? It was numbered FA/299/set 2 of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. This information is on the blurb with the heater.
I have not that information.
Could I ask the Minister when he intends to introduce the Restrictive Trades Practices Bill which would have a bearing on this type of operation?
I am hoping to introduce that Bill next session.
The Fair Trade Commission must give a report to the Minister?
Before I make any order they must make a report.
They automatically report to the Minister?
It is possible that I may not have to make an order.
Will the Minister shake them up a bit?
The Fair Trade Commission cannot work on something before they get all the necessary data.