asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if there has been a steep increase in the price of school books since this time last year and if so, the amount and reason for the increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Book Prices.
2.
Based on a recommendation from the National Prices Commission, I approved with effect from 1 April 1979 of an increase of 11 per cent on average in the price of school text books published by the dominant Irish text book publisher. The increase was designed to compensate the publisher for increases incurred for raw materials, labour and overheads. A similar increase was subsequently implemented by the smaller Irish publishers of school text books. I understand that an increase of the order of 15 per cent has taken place in the price of imported school text books. In addition, various rates of surcharge were imposed on top of this 15 per cent increase in imported school text books, as a result of variations in exchange rates.
If the Deputy is aware of any particular case of a bookseller charging excessive prices, I will be happy to have the matter investigated on receipt of the necessary particulars.
Would the Minister tell us the number of companies involved in the publication of school text books?
There are five principal publishers of school text books in the country.
Would the Minister not accept that there is a monopoly in this area? Despite the fact that there are five companies one company seems to monopolise the volume of school text books and would this not constitute a case for a review by the Restrictive Practices Commission?
One company are certainly dominant in the field. I had not considered the point the Deputy made about it coming, perhaps, under the Mergers and Monopolies Act, which is something we will have to look at.
What percentage of the market have this company who are involved to a major extent in the publication of school text books?
I do not have that information to hand at present.
Was this information contained in the NPC Report on the matter?
I could not tell the Deputy, but I am sure it was. It would have to be, because all those would be matters relevant to the report. But I do not have that information here now.
Has the Minister of State read the report of the National Prices Commission?
I read that report, but the Deputy will appreciate that because so many reports have to be read in my section of the Department there is no way I could contain in my head every percentage point contained in those reports.
I appreciate the Minister's difficulty but she has been questioned specifically in relation to one area.
I do not have the information the Deputy has requested.
Will the Minister supply me with the information?
I will.
This is the second day in succession we have had such an occurrence.