Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 8

Written Answers. - Bread Prices.

Seán Barrett

Ceist:

66 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he proposes to take any action to prevent a price war in bread which would result in the loss of many jobs in the bakery trade.

As I have said many times in this House I welcome competition, as long as it remains within the law. Competition in the grocery trade is frequently described as "price wars". Price competition within the law is indicative of a healthy competitive environment in which the consumer stands to gain.

The grocery trade is regulated by the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987, which specifically prohibits such actions as below cost selling of items such as bread. The Director of Consumer Affairs has responsibility for enforcing the order, has the power to investigate any complaints arising from alleged breaches of the Order and has shown himself to be active in this enforcement role.

Barr
Roinn