Seanad debates
Wednesday, 28 May 2003
Auctioneering Profession: Motion.
I welcome the Minister of State's comment that the Government will consider introducing further regulation. That is excellent, honest and open and a clear vindication of Senators O'Toole and Ross for tabling this motion. We have received an acknowledgement from the Minister of State. Good contributions were made on the other side of the House, including that of Senator Ormonde who, like me, thinks the majority of auctioneers are decent honourable people. However, she gave some instances of gazumping in the marketplace and of people floating houses at a particular price. In such circumstances, the situation usually becomes similar to that with air fares, where there is suddenly only one return seat to London priced at 99p while all the rest cost £199, plus half an ounce travel allowance. Such things may not happen that often in the auctioneering business. Concern about the fact that they do occur, however, was sufficient to cause the Government to introduce a review, which I welcome.
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