andMr. Enright asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he has satisfied himself that the provisions of the Restrictive Practices Grocery Order, 1973 are being fully implemented and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The 1973 Order has already been amended on three occasions in efforts to achieve the objectives originally envisaged for it. More recently, in July 1979, I requested the Restrictive Practices Commission to hold an inquiry under the Restrictive Practices Act, 1972 into the practice of retail sales below cost of grocery goods. The commission have concluded their hearings on the views of all the interests concerned in this matter and I am awaiting their report and recommendations, which, when received, will be considered as a matter of urgency.

Is the Minister aware that where the terms have been implemented and manufacturers have given terms to independent traders, these manufacturers have been boycotted by multinationals? Kelloggs—I am prepared to mention the name—introduced preferential terms for independent traders and they are now being boycotted by at least four major chain stores. Is the Minister aware of that and is he prepared to take action since these people are in breach of section 3 of the 1973 Order?

I am not prepared to make any further orders pending receipt of the report and pending examination of the recommendations of the report. In the meantime negotiations have been going on. As recently as yesterday my Department had a meeting with the Irish Association of Distributive Traders to discuss details of trade. Negotiations are continuing and we will tackle the problems.

Is the Minister prepared to implement the provisions of the existing order?

The Deputy has asked another question on this matter and I will be able to answer him there.

40.