John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 252: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will impose controls on the wholesale trade so that drink suppliers refrain from imposing price increases, at least into 2006, in view of pressures on the vintners trade in recent years and the consequent decline in their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15280/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no plans to introduce price controls in any area of the economy. Government policy is aimed at increasing competition in the marketplace to improve consumer choice and enhance consumer welfare through lower prices. Suppliers and retailers of drink products, therefore, are free to set their own prices in the light of prevailing market conditions. However, the provisions of the Competition Act, which prohibit anti-competitive practices such as price-fixing, should also be borne in mind by undertakings in considering this matter.