asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the proposed trading houses will be established in view of the recent EC taxation position in this regard; and the likely number of licences to be issued in 1988.
54.
Written Answers. - Trading Houses.
38.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if trading houses will have exclusive trading rights in specific markets in relation to the products of their suppliers.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 54 together.
I do not intend to assign to any special trading house exclusive trading rights in relation to specific markets or specific products.
The European Commission gave approval to the special trading house scheme on 3 February last following prolonged negotiations. It was not possible to issue any special trading house licences until this approval was obtained. However, the office of Trade and Marketing is now inviting applications for licences and various statements have been made to this effect.
Any application will be suitably examined and any additional information required will be sought. As the initiative lies with applicants I am not in a position to say when the first special trading house licence will be issued or what the total number of licences for 1988 is likely to be.