asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will fix maximum retail prices for mineral waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Waters.
23.
The National Prices Commission are at present examining the question of the control of soft drink prices, and I am awaiting the outcome of their examination.
The results of the findings of the National Prices Commission on mineral waters were published in the newspapers. I understand that a ministerial decision has to be taken whether they are to be controlled or not. Is that correct?
The prices commission have indicated their findings in the matter but they have also invited submissions from interested parties to be received before 31st December. Having received these submissions, they will then be in a position to make their final recommendations and at that time, it will become a matter for ministerial decision.
It was found in the last report of the commission that retailers were taking up to 150 per cent margin on mineral waters. The commission said they could not recommend a maximum price control for mineral waters because it was optional whether people took a mixer with their drinks. They felt they were not in a position to recommend a maximum price and turned the matter over to the Minister to make a decision.
Something along those lines was said but they reconsidered the matter on the basis that they found the prices they recommended as the appropriate prices which should have been charged were being exceeded substantially in particular cases. On the basis of that reconsideration they reached the conclusion published in their October report that something should be done in the nature of price control. Before finalising that conclusion, they invited submissions from the various interests. The deadline for these submissions has not yet been reached.
Is it still with the prices commission?
Yes, and I expect we will have a final recommendation from them.