asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is intended to re-establish the National Prices Commission; the other proposals, if any, he has for price control; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

114.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his policy in relation to price control.

I propose to take oral Question No. 6 and written Question No. 114 together.

I have no immediate plans for the reestablishment of the National Prices Commission or for the reintroduction of detailed price control. However, all of the ministerial powers under the Prices Acts continue in being and I can use these powers should the situation at any time warrant such action.

Is the Minister aware that in November last the Central Bank indicated that, while import prices and wholesale prices had fallen, retail prices had not followed suit? Have his Department taken any steps to monitor the relationship of retail prices to wholesale and import prices?

I am aware of press reports to that effect. The Deputy may be aware that my Department still continue to monitor prices, and any effective action needed to be taken will be taken. I am aware of such reports.

Is the Minister saying that what the Central Bank has stated is correct or incorrect? Can he indicate what procedures are available to the consumer at the moment in relation to price complaints? What section of his Department is dealing with consumer complaints?

I remind the Deputy that I was not Minister last November. If such a serious situation arose then I am amazed that no action was taken in regard to it. As the Deputy is aware, the NPC were abolished by the previous Government in January 1986 and the decision then was that detailed procedures of price control and approval of price increases would be allowed to lapse and that the general thrust of policies should move towards new measures to create greater competition throughout the economy in free market conditions. There are orders in existence requiring the display of prices for drinks in licensed premises and restaurants. Orders in relation to hairdressing and petrol have been in force from 1 March 1987. Those for food, potatoes and milk, the Deputy may or may not be aware, have been transferred to the Minister for Agriculture.

I ask the Minister again, what section of his Department is dealing with complaints from consumers in relation to price control, the display of prices or the quality of products on sale? Can he indicate whether the statement made by the Central Bank on retail prices and their relationship to wholesale prices is correct? What steps have his Department taken to monitor retail prices?

The previous Government had prepared legislation for the establishment of a new fair trade commission to replace the Restrictive Practices Commission, and enabling legislation under the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Bill was prepared. I am re-examining this legislation and when I have considered my re-examination I will bring it to the Government for consideration. Under that new legislation, if the Government decide to proceed with it, the new fair trade commission will be strengthened and given new powers to initiate and a broader remit in relation to promotion of competition. The commission's remit to inquire into unfair trading practices will include banking, electricity and transport sectors hitherto excluded. The proposed legislation will also provide for the adoption by the Director of Consumer Affairs of the functions of the Examiner of Restrictive Practices, and the director's expanded area of responsibility will encompass a wide area of investigative and enforcement power relating to restrictive practices, consumer protection and prices.