asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the intimidation to which certain lessees of petrol pump retail outlets are being subjected by an oil company (name supplied); the action he will take to alleviate the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Company Practices.
12.
I am aware that allegations have been made of unfair practices by the oil company named in relation to operators of petrol stations. Unfair practices between suppliers and traders are a matter which can be investigated by the Examiner of Restrictive Practices— to the extent in the present case that they are not already being looked into by the Restrictive Practices Commission—and complaints should be made to the examiner in the first place.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not refer such complaints to the examiner with an urgent request that he should look into them? This practice appears to be widespread.
I have been in correspondence with the Irish Petrol Retail Association in relation to this matter and I understand that they also have been in touch with the examiner. It is necessary that the complaints referred to the examiner should come within the scope of the restrictive practices legislation. I understand that this matter is at present under examination by the petrol retailers.
I understand that the firm gave an undertaking as far back as last October that if there was any more of it they would refer it to the Registrar of Restrictive Practices but they are now telling their lorry drivers——
We are now having a statement from the Deputy.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that they are now telling their lorry drivers: "We will not supply you any more with petrol"?
I imagine that the petrol retailers themselves who have an association would be aware of such practices and it is open for them to refer the matter to the Examiner of Restrictive Practices.
Have they done this?
They have done it in relation to particular complaints which did not come within the scope of the restrictive practices legislation. It is open to them to do so again in relation to any other complaints they may have. By virtue of the fact that there are many different sorts of relationships between oil companies and retailers, ranging from company-owned stations to independently owned stations, there can be quite a variety of complaints. If the Department can be of any assistance in this matter, I would be glad to arrange for officials of the Department to meet the retailers' organisation.
The Department have been very helpful in the past. The Parliamentary Secretary said that the outlets have an association of their own. Is he aware that there are many small outlets and usually they are not members of any association? They are people with one or two pumps.
If they wish to get in touch with me, I will have the matter examined.
On a point of order, would I be in order in asking for a House during Question Time? It is showing a scant regard for the House when, during a lengthy period of very important questions, there is no Minister, only one Parliamentary Secretary and not one Member of the Fine Gael or Labour in the House?
I trust Deputies will refrain from making points of order during Question Time.
It shows an absolute disregard for the importance of Question Time. If some of us become rowdy over here there is no Minister to move that we should be expelled from the House.
I hope that will not be necessary.
For future reference, a Cheann Comhairle, would you answer my question?
It is purely hypothetical.
Am I in order?
Technically, the Deputy is in order.