asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the effort made by the Union Luxembourgeoise des Consommateurs which aims to stabilise the market in household appliances, he will consider implementing their recommendations which should reduce the cost of such appliances to the consumer by about 6 per cent; and if he will especially consider, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, the proposal to set up a litigants' committee in the matter.
Written Answers. - Household Appliances.
154.
My information is that because of intense competition the combined wholesale and retail percentage margins on household appliances in this country are in general already lower than the reduced margins now operative in Luxembourg. In these circumstances, I do not consider it necessary to take action on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
As regards the proposal to set up a litigants' committee, I assume that the Deputy has in mind measures to enable consumers in this country to settle small claims speedily. This question will be fully considered in the context of the legislative programme for protection of consumers now being undertaken by my Department.