asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the present position in relation to his proposals to establish a statutory national price board.
Written Answers. - Prices Advisory Body.
73.
The Deputy will no doubt recall that in January 1986 the National Prices Commission were disbanded. The purpose was to encourage price competition and to promote a greater price awareness among consumers. Since that time there has been no evidence to suggest the need for a national prices board and there are no proposals at present for the establishment of such a body.
The Deputy will also recall the new restrictive practices legislation which came into effect on 25 January this year. Under this legislation a prices advisory function has been vested in the Fair Trade Commission.