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Uimhir 26 de 1937.
ACHT CHUN PRAGHSANNA DO RIALÚ, 1937.
[12adh Mí na Samhna, 1937.]
CUID I.
Roimhraiteach agus Generalta.
Gearr-theideal agus tosach feidhme.
1.—(1) Féadfar an tAcht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1937, do ghairm den Acht so.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht so i ngníomh pé lá ceapfar chuige sin le hordú ón Aire.
Mínithe.
2.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “an tAire” an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála;
cialluíonn an abairt “earra indiúité” aon earra do bheadh, dá n-iomportáltaí í, ionchurtha fé dhiúité chustum ar í d'iomportáil;
cialluíonn an abairt “earra shrianta” aon earra go ndeintear le dlí toirmeasc no srian do chur le n-a hiomportáil;
foluíonn an abairt “sreath coinníoll” coinníoll amháin;
cialluíonn an focal “cigire” duine go n-údarás i scríbhinn ón Aire chun na gcomhacht d'fheidhmiú a bronntar ar chigire leis an Acht so;
cialluíonn an focal “orduithe” orduithe le rialacháin ar n-a ndéanamh ag an Aire fén Acht so.
Earraí do gheobhfar ar mhodh an chíos-cheannaigh.
3.—Má thógann duine aon earra ar cíos fé chó-aontú tré n-a bhforáltar gurb eisean únaer na hearra san ar é d'íoc méid áirithe tráth-choda, tuigfear, chun crícheanna an Achta so, an duine ó n-ar tógadh an earra san ar cíos dá díol leis agus tuigfear, chun na críche sin, an díol san do thárlachtaint ar an dáta ar a ndearnadh an có-aontú san.
Ciontaí.
4.—(1) Lasmuich de chás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt go soiléir leis an Acht so, féadfaidh an tAire no féadfar ar agra an Aire mar chúisitheoir aon chionta fé aon alt den Acht so do chúiseamh.
(2) Má dheineann cólucht corpruithe cionta fé aon alt den Acht so agus go gcruthófar go ndearnadh amhlaidh é le toiliú no le haontú aon duine is stiúrthóir, bainisteoir, rúnaí no oifigeach eile den chólucht chorpruithe sin no dhó no gur cuireadh san in usacht tré aon fhaillí ar thaobh éinne acu san, tuigfear an stiúrthóir, an bainisteoir, an rúnaí no an t-oifigeach eile sin do bheith ciontach freisin sa chionta san agus féadfar é do chúiseamh agus do phionósú dá réir sin.
Rialacháin ghenerálta.
5.—Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin do dhéanamh maidir le héinní no le haon rud dá dtagartar san Acht so mar ní no mar rud atá orduithe no le hordú.
Orduithe agus rialacháin do leagadh fé bhráid Dháil Éireann.
6.—Gach ordú agus rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire fén Acht so leagfar é fé bhráid Dháil Éireann chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann Dáil Éireann, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh Dáil Éireann tar éis an orduithe no an rialacháin sin do leagadh fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe no an rialacháin sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an t-ordú no an rialachán san (pe'ca aca é) curtha ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén ordú no fén rialachán san.
An tAcht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1932, d'athghairm.
7.—Athghairmtear leis seo an tAcht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1932 (Uimh. 33 de 1932).
Costaisí.
8.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é, is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas a híocfar na costaisí uile bhainfidh leis an Acht so do chur i bhfeidhm.
CUID II.
Coimisiun Praghsanna agus Rialuitheoir Praghsanna.
Coimisiún Praghsanna do bhunú.
9.—(1) Chó luath tar éis tosach feidhme an Achta so agus a bheidh caoi ann chuige sin, bunófar Coimisiún (dá ngairmtear an Coimisiún san Acht so) ar a dtabharfar mar ainm agus mar theideal an Coimisiún Praghsanna, chun na bhfeidhmeanna ceaptar don Choimisiún leis an Acht so do chólíonadh.
(2) Fé réir forálacha an Achta so, beidh an Coimisiún có-dhéanta de thrí baill (dá ngairmtear gnáth-bhaill san Acht so) a ainmneoidh an tAire o am go ham do réir mar is gá.
(3) Beidh gach gnáth-bhall, maran éag, eirghe as no teacht fé dhí-cháilíocht roimhe sin dó, i seilbh oifige ar feadh pé tréimhse, nach sia ná cúig bliana, a cheapfaidh an tAire le linn é d'ainmniú ach beidh sé ion-ath-ainmnithe.
(4) Má thárlann agus pé uair a thárlóidh do ghnáth-bhall a thabhairt mar bhreith air é do bheith gnó-bhriste, no go ndéanfa sé socrú no réiteach le n-a fhiach-éilitheoirí, no go ndaorfaidh cúirt údaráis inniúla chun príosúntachta no chun pian-tseirbhíse é, no go scuirfe sé de bheith ina ghnáth-chomhnaí i Saorstát Éireann no go mbeidh sé as láthair o gach suidhe den Choimisiún ar feadh tréimhse thrí mhí gan cead ón Aire, beidh sé dí-cháilithe chun bheith i seilbh oifige gnáth-bhaill.
(5) Pé uair a chífear don Aire ná beidh ar chumas gnáth-bhaill den Choimisiún a dhualgaisí mar bhall den tsórt san do chólíonadh go ceann tamaill de dheascaibh breoiteachta no mar gheall ar leor-réasún eile, féadfaidh an tAire duine do cheapadh chun gníomhú mar ghnáth-bhall ar feadh pé tréimhse (nach sia ná faid an mhí-chumais sin) is ceart dar leis agus gach duine ceapfar amhlaidh chun gníomhú mar ghnáth-bhall den Choimisiún beidh sé, ar feadh na tréimhse dá gceapfar amhlaidh é, ina ghnáth-bhall den Choimisiún in ionad an ghnáth-bhaill sin a céad-luaidhtear.
10.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire o am go ham, chun crícheanna aon fhiosrúcháin áirithe bheidh le déanamh ag an gCoimisiún, pé daoine agus pé méid daoine (nach gnáth-bhaill) is oiriúnach leis do cheapadh chun gníomhú mar bhaill bhreise den Choimisiún.
(2) Gach ball breise ceapfar amhlaidh beidh sé ina bhall den Choimisiún chun crícheanna an fhiosrúcháin dá gceapfar é.
Cathaoirleach an Choimisiún.
11.—(1) Ceapfaidh an tAire duine de sna gnáth-bhaill chun bheith ina Chathaoirleach ar an gCoimisiún agus beidh an gnáthbhall a ceapfar amhlaidh i seilbh oifige mar Chathaoirleach den tsórt san faid is toil leis an Aire é.
(2) Má bhíonn Cathaoirleach an Choimisiúin as láthair o aon tsuidhe den Choimisiún, ceapfaidh na baill den Choimisiún a bheidh i láthair ag an suidhe sin duine de sna baill sin chun gníomhú mar Chathaoirleach ag an suidhe sin.
Luach saothair ball an Choimisiúin.
12.—Féadfar pé luach saothair agus liúntaisí ar a gcinnfidh an tAire le toiliú an Aire Airgid d'íoc le haon bhall den Choimisiún.
Srian le duine ag á bhfuil leas gníomhú mar bhall.
13.—Pé uair a bheidh fiosrúchán á dhéanamh fén Acht so ag an gCoimisiún i dtaobh praghais earra áirithe, agus a bheidh leas phearsanta ag aon bhall den Choimisiún in aon ghnó ina mbíonn an earra san á díol, cuirfidh an ball san in úil don Aire cad is saghas agus cad is méid dá leas agus, mara n-údaruighidh an tAire dhó san do dhéanamh, ní ghníomhóidh sé mar bhall den Choimisiún chun crícheanna an fhiosrúcháin sin.
Dleathacht imeachta an Choimisiúin.
14.—Ní bheidh imeachta an Choimisiúin nea-dhleathach de dheascaibh aon fholúntais do bheith imeasc na mball ná de dheascaibh aon lochta do bheith ag baint le ceapadh aon bhaill.
Rialuitheoir Praghsanna.
15.—(1) Chó luath tar éis tosach feidhme an Achta so agus a bheidh caoi ann chuige sin, ceapfaidh an tAire duine (dá ngairmtear an Rialuitheoir san Acht so) ar a dtabharfar mar ainm agus mar theideal an Rialuitheoir Praghsanna.
(2) Beidh an Rialuitheoir i seilbh oifige ar pé téarmaí agus bhéarfar luach saothair dó do réir pé rátaí agus ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
(3) Pé uair a bheidh an Rialuitheoir as láthair go sealadach o n-a dhiúité toisc cúise ar bith féadfaidh an Coimisiún oifigeach don Choimisiún d'ainmniú chun dualgaisí an Rialuitheora do chólíonadh le linn dó bheith as láthair amhlaidh, agus, faid a bheidh an Rialuitheoir as láthair amhlaidh, beidh comhachta uile an Rialuitheora ag an oifigeach a ceapfar amhlaidh agus tuigfear. chun crícheanna an Achta so, gurb é an Rialuitheoir é.
Rialacháin i gcóir imeachta an Choimisiúin.
16.—(1) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún rialacháin do dhéanamh o am go ham chun a n-imeachta do rialú agus féadfaid, leis na rialacháin sin, socrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh gach ní no éinní acu so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an quorum ag aon suidhe den Choimisiún;
(b) amanna agus áiteanna suidheanna an Choimisiúin;
(c) na daoine dá dtabharfar fógra i dtaobh suidheanna an Choimisiúin;
(d) an fhuirm agus an tslí ina gcuirfear nithe fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus ina dtabharfar fianaise dhóibh agus go sonnrách, ce'ca viva voce no i scríbhinn a cuirfear na nithe sin fé n-a mbráid agus a bhéarfar an fhianaise sin dóibh;
(e) daoine chuir nithe fé bhráid an Choimisiúin, no thug fianaise don Choimisiún, i scríbhinn do theacht i láthair chun a gceistnithe no a gcros-cheistnithe viva voce;
(f) éinne do leigint isteach chun suidheanna an Choimisiúin no do dhúnadh amach uatha;
(g) pé nithe chífear don Choimisiún do bheith riachtnach no oiriúnach chun a ngnótha do dhéanamh sa cheart.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ná éifeacht ar bith ag rialacháin a déanfar fén alt so mara n-aontuighidh ná go dtí go n-aontóidh an tAire leo.
(3) Aon rialacháin a rinneadh fé alt 17 den Acht chun Praghsanna do Rialú. 1932 (Uimh. 33 de 1932), agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm díreach roimh thosach feidhme an Achta so tuigfear iad do dhéanamh fén alt so agus féadfar iad do cheiliúradh no do leasú dá réir sin agus leanfaid i bhfeidhm go dtí go gceiliúrfar iad amhlaidh agus fé réir aon leasuithe den tsórt san.
Comhachta an Choimisiúin.
17.—(1) Chun a chur fhiachaint ar fhínnithe teacht i láthair agus chun a gceistnithe fé mhionn (agus údaruítear leis seo d'aon bhall den Choimisiún fínnithe do chur fén mionn san) no ar aon tslí eile agus chun a chur fhiachaint ar dhaoine scríbhinní do thabhairt i láthair beidh ag an gCoimisiún gach comhacht, ceart, agus príbhléid atá dílsithe san Ard-Chúirt no i mBreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt maidir le trial aicsin, agus beidh gairm ar n-a sighniú ag duine no níos mó de bhaill an Choimisiúin có-ionann agus ar aon éifeacht le próiseas fuirmeálta a bhéarfadh an Ard-Chúirt amach chun a chur fhiachaint ar fhínnithe teacht i láthair agus chun a chur fhiachaint ar dhaoine scríbhinní do thabhairt i láthair.
(2) Má thárlann d'éinne—
(a) faillí do thabhairt i dteacht i láthair an Choimisiúin agus é gairmthe go cuibhe chun teacht ina láthair mar fhínné, no
(b) ar bheith i láthair dó mar fhínné, diúltú do mhionn do thabhairt a cheanglóidh an Coimisiún air do réir dlí a thabhairt no d'aon scríbhinn fé n-a chomhacht agus fé n-a chúram do thabhairt i láthair a cheanglóidh an Coimisiún air do réir dlí a thabhairt i láthair no d'aon cheist d'fhreagairt go gceanglóidh an Coimisiún air do réir dlí í fhreagairt, no
(c) éinní eile do dhéanamh ba dhísbeagadh cúirte dá mba chúirt bhreithiúnais an Coimisiún agus comhacht aige chun daoine no chur i bpríosún mar gheall ar dhísbeagadh cúirte,
féadfaidh an Coimisiún cionta an duine sin do dheimhniú fé n-a lámha don Ard-Chúirt agus féadfaidh an chúirt sin, tar éis pé fiorsrú is oiriúnach léi do dhéanamh, an duine sin do phionósú no pé ní do dhéanamh is gá chun é do phionósú díreach fé is dá mbeadh sé ciontach sa chúirt sin do dhísbeagadh.
(3) Beidh teideal ag fínné i láthair an Choimisiúin chun na saoirsí agus na bpríbhléidí céanna chun a mbeadh teideal aige dá mb'fhínné i láthair na hArd-Chúirte é.
Fógra i dtaobh fiosrúchán a dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún agus nithe chuirfidh daoine ag á mbeidh leas fé bhráid an Choimisiúin.
18.—(1) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún fiosrúchán fé Chuid III den Acht so cuirfidh an Coimisiún fé ndeár go bhfoillseofar san Iris Oifigiúil agus i pé slí eile is dóich leis an gCoimisiún do bheith oiriúnach fógra á rá go bhfuiltear chun an fhiosrúcháin sin do dhéanamh.
(2) Ar fhógra d'fhoillsiú fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo féadfaidh éinne, ar a shon féin no mar ionadaí, ní do chur fé bhráid an Choimisiúin maidir le habhar an fhiosrúcháin le n-a mbaineann an fógra san.
Suidheanna príobháideacha den Choimisiún.
19.—Féadfaidh an Coimisiún, más rogha leo féin é, aon tsuidhe no cuid de shuidhe do bheith acu go príobháideach agus déanfar an tagairt sa chéad alt ina dhiaidh seo do shuidhe phríobháideach den Choimisiún do léiriú mar thagairt do shuidhe no do chuid de shuidhe den Choimisiún a bheidh acu go príobháideach.
Toirmeasc ar eolas do nochtadh.
20.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an ailt seo ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne is ball den Choimisiún no is oifigeach don Choimisiún aon eolas ná beidh ar fáil aige ach amháin de bhuadh na gcomhacht chun eolas d'fháil a bronntar ar an gCoimisiún no ar chigire leis an Acht so do nochtadh d'éinne seachas ball den Choimisiún no oifigeach don Choimisiún o n-a dteastóidh an t-eolas san chun crícheanna a dhualgas.
(2) Ní bheidh sé dleathach d'éinne (seachas ball den Choimisiún no oifigeach don Choimisiún) a bheidh i láthair ag suidhe príobháideach den Choimisiún aon colas a gheobha sé tré bheith i láthair ag an suidhe sin agus is eolas ná beidh ar fáil ach amháin de bhuadh na gcomhacht chun colas d'fháil a bronntar ar an gCoimisiún no ar chigire leis an Acht so do nochtadh do dhuine ar bith.
(3) Má dheineann duine ar bith éinní is sárú ar an alt so beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar caoga punt do chur air no príosúntacht ar feadh tréimhse sé mhí no más rogha leis an gCúirt é an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
(4) Ní bhainfidh éinní atá i bhfo-alt (1) den alt so le haon eolas do nochtadh—
(a) don Aire i dtuarasgabháil (nach tuarasgabháil bhliantúil) no i gconbharsáid eile ón gCoimisiún, no
(b) chun crícheanna imeachta dlí bheidh bunuithe no beifear ar aigne do bhunú fén Acht so.
Tuarasgabhála bliantúla ón gCoimisiún.
21.—Déanfaidh an Coimisiún, chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis deireadh gach bliana, tuarasgabháil ghenerálta ar imeachta an Choimisiúin fén Acht so do thabhairt don Aire, agus cuirfidh an tAire fé ndeár gach tuarasgabháil ghenerálta den tsórt san a gheobha sé do leagadh láithreach fé bhráid Dháil Éireann.
Leanúint d'fhiosruitheáirithe atá ar siúl fé láthair.
22.—I gcás—
(a) (i) ina ndearna an tAire, i bhfeidhmiú na gcomhacht a bronntar air le halt 23 den Acht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1932 (Uimh. 33 de 1932), an Coimisiún (dá ngairmtear an Seana-Choimisiún Praghsanna san alt so), do bunuíodh fé alt 9 den Acht san, do cheapadh chun fiosrú puiblí do dhéanamh chun crícheanna ailt 17 d'Acht na dTithe (Forálacha Airgid agus Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha), 1932 (Uimh. 19 de 1932), agus
(ii) an fiosrú puiblí sin do bheith ar feitheamh le linn tosach feidhme an Achta so, no
(b) fiosrúchán fé alt 24 no fé alt 41 den Acht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1932, adubhradh, do bheith ar feitheamh le linn tosach feidhme an Achta so,
leanfaidh an Coimisiún den fhiosrú phuiblí sin no den fhiosrúchán san (pe'ca aca é) agus tuigfear gur fiosrúchán praghais ag an gCoimisiún fé Chuid III den Acht so é, agus aon nithe no rudaí bheidh déanta ag an Seana-Choimisiún Praghsanna tuigfear gurb iad an Coimisiún do rinne iad fén Acht so.
CUID III.
Fiosruchain Phraghais agus Orduithe Praghais.
Fiosrúcháin i dtaobh praghas earraí.
23.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leis é, a iarraidh ar an gCoimisiún fiosrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar carra.
(2) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leo é, ach fé réir iad do thabhairt fógra roimh ré don Aire i dtaobh iad do bheith ar intinn san do dhéanamh, a bheartú le rún fiosrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar earra.
(3) Má iarrann an tAire ar an gCoimisiún fiosrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar earra no má bheartuíonn an Coimisiún le rún fiosrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar earra déanfaidh an Coimisiún fiosrúchán (dá ngairmtear fiosrúchán praghais san Acht so) i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar an gcineál no ar na cineálacha san (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an gCoimisiún) den earra san a chinnfidh an Coimisiún ar an gcéanna do dhíol, fén sreath no fé sna sreathanna san de choinníollacha (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an gCoimisiún) a chinnfidh an Coimisiún, sa líomatáiste no sna líomatáistí sin a chinnfidh an Coimisiún.
(4) Nuair a bheidh éinní no aon rud á mhíniú no á chinneadh ag an gCoimisiún fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo chun crícheanna fiosrúcháin phraghais déanfaidh an Coimisiún do réir aon orduithe, maidir le saghas agus scóip an fhiosrúcháin sin, a bhéarfaidh an tAire uaidh, pe'ca roimh an bhfiosrúchán san é no le n-a linn.
(5) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún, i gcúrsa fiosrúcháin phraghais i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar aon chineál d'earra, an fiosrúchán praghais sin do chur i mbaint le haon earra eile gurb é a hiomlán, no aon chuid di, is príomh-tháthchuid no aon-táthchuid na hearra san a céad-luaidhtear dar leis an gCoimisiún.
(6) Más rud é, i gcúrsa fiosrúcháin i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar aon chineál d'earra, go bhfeictear don Choimisiún go bhfuil na praghsanna gheibheann táirgtheoirí i Saorstát Éireann ar aon earra eile (is toradh talmhaíochta no bun-abhar) gurb é a hiomlán no aon chuid di is príomh-tháthchuid no aon-táthchuid na hearra san a céad-luaidhtear dar leis an gCoimisiún, go bhfuilid ró-íseal, ag féachaint do chostas táirgthe na hearra eile sin, féadfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil speisialta do chur chun an Aire i dtaobh an scéil agus pé molta do dhéanamh inti sin is oiriúnach leo.
(7) Féadfaidh an tAire, le linn fiosrúchán praghais do bheith ar siúl, a iarraidh ar an gCoimisiún gan leanúint níos sia den fhiosrúchán san, agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún do réir aon iarratais den tsórt san.
Tuarasgabhála ón gCoimisiún i gcás gan na praghsanna bheith ró-árd.
24.—Másé bheidh i bhfiosrúchán praghais, ar fad no i bpáirt, ná fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar chineál áirithe d'earra ar n-a dhíol fé shreath áirithe de choinníollacha, agus gurb é tuairim an Choimisiúin ná fuil na praghsanna san ró-árd, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) cuirfidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil chun an Aire ina leagfaid amach an tuairim sin acu;
(b) más earra indiúité no earra shrianta an cineál san den earra san agus go mbaineann an sreath san de choinníollacha le díola dheineann daoine dheineann no tháirgeann é Saorstát Éireann leagfar amach freisin sa tuarasgabháil sin na hathruithe tháinig ar na praghsanna san ar feadh tréimhse áirithe.
Tuarasgabhála ón gCoimisiún i gcás na praghsanna bheith ró-árd.
25.—(1) Másé bheidh i bhfiosrúchán praghais, ar fad no i bpáirt, ná fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar chineál áirithe d'earra ar n-a dhíol fé shreath áirithe de choinníollacha, agus gurb é tuairim an Choimisiúin go bhfuil na praghsanna san ró-árd, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) cuirfidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil chun an Aire ina leagfaid amach—
(i) an tuairim sin acu agus na fáthanna atá léi;
(ii) a dtuairim maidir le haon bhaint do bheith leis na praghsanna san ag aon chó-aontú no cur-le-chéile chun cur isteach ar iomaíocht trádála no gan a bheith;
(iii) a dtuairim maidir leis an bpraghas chun ar cheart na praghsanna san do laigheadú agus na fáthanna atá acu leis an tuairim sin;
(iv) a molta maidir leis an slí is fearr chun an laigheaduithe sin do chur i bhfeidhm;
(v) pé nithe eile (más ann dóibh) is ceart dar leis an gCoimisiún, no go mbeidh an tAire tar éis a iarraidh ortha tuarasgabháil do thabhairt ina dtaobh;
(b) má mholann an Coimisiún don Aire ordú praghais do dhéanamh maidir leis an gcineál san den earra san, beidh ina dtuarasgabháil freisin—
(i) dréacht den ordú bheartuithe, agus
(ii) i gcás go socrófar leis an dréacht san gurb é bheidh sa phraghas mhaximum a luadhfar ann ná praghas atharuitheach a bheidh ag brath ar phraghas aon earra eile, gurb é a hiomlán no aon chuid di, dar leis an gCoimisiún, is príomh-tháthchuid no aontáthchuid na hearra san a céad-luaidhtear, ráiteas á rá cad is praghas réasúnta, dar leis an gCoimisiún, ar an earra eile sin;
(c) má mholann an Coimisiún don Aire ordú praghais (srian le brabús) do dhéanamh maidir leis an gcineál san den earra san beidh dréacht den ordú bheartuithe ina dtuarasgabháil freisin.
(2) Másé bheidh i bhfiosrúchán praghais, ar fad no i bpáirt, ná fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas a héilítear ar chineál áirithe d'earra (is earra indiúité no is earra shrianta no is earra indiúité agus srianta) ar n-a dhíol fén sreath so leanas de choinníollacha, eadhon, ag daoine dheineann no tháirgeann é i Saorstát Éireann, agus gurb é tuairim an Choimisiúin go bhfuil na praghsanna san ró-árd, beidh feidhm ag na forálacha so leanas, i dteanta na bhforálacha luaidhtear sa bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, maidir le tuarasgabháil an Choimisiúin, sé sin le rá:—
(a) luadhfar sa tuarasgabháil sin na hatharuithe tháinig ar na praghsanna san ar feadh tréimhse áirithe;
(b) más earra indiúité an cineál san den earra san ach nach earra shrianta é, luadhfar sa tuarasgabháil sin freisin—
(i) an praghas do bhéarfadh iomportálaí air, dar leis an gCoimisiún, dá ndeintí é d'iomportáil go díreach ón té do rinne no do tháirg é agus é do sheachadadh, agus an luach fartha agus an t-árachas íoctha air, i mbanna in áit áirithe iomportála i Saorstát Éireann;
(ii) an é tuairim an Choimisiúin gur mhaith an rud é an diúité custum is iníoctha air do laigheadú agus, másé, cadé méid an laigheaduithe sin;
(c) más earra indiúité an cineál san den earra san agus gur earra shrianta freisin é, luadhfar san tuarasgabháil sin freisin—
(i) an praghas do bhéarfadh iomportálaí air, dar leis an gCoimisiún, dá mba rud é nárbh earra shrianta é agus go ndéanfaí é d'iomportáil go díreach ón té do rinne no do tháirg é agus é do sheachadadh, agus an luach fartha agus an t-árachas íoctha air, i mbanna in áit áirithe iomportála i Saorstát Éireann;
(ii) an é tuairim an Choimisiúin gur mhaith an rud é an diúité custum is iníoctha air do laigheadú agus, másé, cadé méid an laigheaduithe sin;
(iii) an é tuairim an Choimisiúin gur mhaith an rud é atharú do dhéanamh ar na srianta atá le n-a iomportáil agus, másé, cadé méid an atharuithe sin;
(d) más earra shrianta an cineál san den earra san ach nach earra indiúité é, luadhfar sa tuarasgabháil sin freisin—
(i) an praghas do bhéarfadh iomportálaí air, dar leis an gCoimisiún, dá mba rud é nárbh earra shrianta é agus go ndéanfaí é d'iomportáil go díreach ón té do rinne no do tháirg é agus é do sheachadadh, agus an luach fartha agus an t-árachas íoctha air, in áit áirithe iomportála i Saorstát Éireann;
(ii) an é tuairim an Choimisiún gur cheart atharú do dhéanamh ar na srianta atá le n-a iomportáil agus, másé, cadé méid an atharuithe sin.
Tuarasgabhála ón gCoimisiún d'fhoillsiú.
26.—Féadfaidh an tAire aon tuarasgabháil no aon chuid d'aon tuarasgabháil a bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún dó fén gCuid seo den Acht so d'fhoillsiú i pé slí is oiriúnach leis.
Orduithe praghais.
27.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an Achta so, féadfaidh an tAire, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leis é, féadfaidh le hordú (dá ngairmtear ordú praghais san Acht so) a shocrú, maidir le hearra, cadé an praghas maximum ar a bhféadfar cineál áirithe (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an Aire) den earra san do dhíol no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta i líomatáiste áirithe ar n-a dhíol no ar n-a thairisgint chun a dhíolta fén sreath no na sreathanna san de choinníollacha (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an Aire) a luadhfar san ordú san, agus féadfaidh praghsanna deifriúla do shocrú amhlaidh maidir le sreathanna deifriúla den tsórt san de choinníollacha.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag na forálacha so leanas maidir le gach ordú praghais a déanfar i dtaobh earra, sé sin le rá:—
(a) féadfaidh baint a bheith ag an ordú praghais sin le níos mó ná aon chineál amháin den earra san, agus, sa chás san, féadfaidh forálacha deifriúla do bheith ann maidir leis an gcineál san den earra san;
(b) isé líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an t-ordú san ná Saorstát Éireann go léir no aon chuid áirithe dhe;
(c) foillseofar an t-ordú san san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta;
(d) luadhfar san ordú san an dáta ar a mbeidh sé le teacht i bhfeidhm, agus ní bheidh an dáta san níos luatha ná dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil:
(e) féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú fén mír seo, an t-ordú praghais sin do cheiliúradh no do leasú, agus bainfidh forálacha míreanna (c) agus (d) den fho-alt so le gach ordú déanfar fén mír seo.
(3) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh an tAire ordú praghais maidir le hearra ar bith, féadfaidh, más oiriúnach leis é, na nithe seo leanas do dhéanamh leis an ordú san, sé sin le rá:—
(a) a dhearbhú, maidir le hearra ar bith eile gurb é a hiomlán no aon chuid di is príomh-tháthchuid no aontáthchuid na hearra san a céad-luaidhtear dar leis. gurb í bheidh, chun crícheanna an orduithe phraghais sin, ina príomh-tháthchuid den earra san a céadluaidhtear;
(b) aon phraghas maximum a bheidh san ordú san a cheapadh ina phraghas atharuitheach a bheidh ag brath, sa tslí forálfar leis an ordú praghais sin, ar an bpraghas a bheidh, de bhuadh an chéad ailt ina dhiaidh seo, ina riail-phraghas de thurus na huaire ar an earra eile sin.
(4) Pé uair—
(a) a bheidh ordú praghais i bhfeidhm, agus
(b) a ceapfar praghas leis an ordú san ar a bhféadfar cineál d'earra do dhíol no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta sa líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an t-ordú san ar n-a dhíol no ar n-a thairisgint chun a dhíolta fé shreath áirithe de choinníollacha,
ansan, gach duine dhéanfaidh aon chineál den tsórt san den earra san do dhíol no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta sa líomatáiste sin, fén sreath san de choinníollacha, ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas maximum san, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air, másé an chéad chionta fén alt so aige é, agus, másé an dara cionta no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin fén alt so aige é, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nach sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
Fo-orduithe d'orduithe praghais.
28.—(1) Pé uair a dhéanfaidh an tAire ordú praghais maidir le haon earra agus go ndearbhóidh leis an ordú san go mbeidh aon earra eile, chun crícheanna an orduithe phraghais sin, ina príomhtháthchuid den earra san a céad-luaidhtear, déanfaidh, sara dtagaidh an t-ordú praghais sin i bhfeidhm, ordú (dá ngairmtear fo-ordú san alt so) agus féadfaidh, ina dhiaidh sin pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leis é, san do dhéanamh ag ceapadh pé praghais is ceart dar leis chun bheith, chun crícheanna an orduithe phraghais sin, ina riail-phraghas ar an earra eile sin, agus an praghas a ceapfar amhlaidh le haon fho-ordú den tsórt san isé bheidh, faid a leanfaidh an fo-ordú san i bhfeidhm, ina riailphraghas ar an earra eile sin chun crícheanna an orduithe phraghais sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, fo-ordú ar bith do cheiliúradh.
(3) Déanfar gach fo-ordú agus gach ordú ag ceiliúradh fo-orduithe d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus luadhfar ann an dáta ar a mbeidh sé le teacht i bhfeidhm, agus ní bheidh an dáta san níos luatha ná dáta a fhoillsithe san Iris Oifigiúil.
Iarrataisí o mhion-díoltóirí chun orduithe praghais do leasú.
29.—Pé uair—
(a) a déanfar ordú praghais ag ceapadh an phraghais mhaximum ar a bhféadfar cineál áirithe d'earra do dhíol i líomatáiste áirithe nuair is ina mhion-choda díolfar é, agus
(b) a dhéanfaidh duine 'na mbíonn an cineál san den earra san á dhíol aige ina mhion-choda sa líomatáiste sin a iarraidh ar an Aire, an t-ordú praghais sin do leasú tríd an bpraghas maximum san do mhéadú ar an bhforas gur mhéaduigh praghas mhór-dhíolta an chiníl sin den earra san o rinneadh an t-ordú praghais sin,
déanfaidh an tAire, mara ndeine sé an méid sin den ordú san a bhainfidh leis an bpraghas maximum san do cheiliúradh no do leasú do réir an iarratais sin, a iarraidh láithreach ar an gCoimisiún fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh an iarratais sin, agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún an fiosrúchán san agus tuairisceoid a thoradh don Aire chó luath agus is féidir é.
Orduithe praghais (srian le brabús).
30.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an Achta so, féadfaidh an tAire, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leis é, ordú (dá ngairmtear ordú praghais (srian le brabús) san Acht so) do dhéanamh maidir le hearra á thoirmeasc cineál áirithe (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an Aire) den earra san do dhíol ná do thairisgint chun a dhíolta ar n-a dhíol no ar n-a thairisgint chun a dhíolta i líomatáiste áirithe fé shreath áirithe de choinníollacha (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an Aire ach ní hi slí go mbainfid le duine dheineann an cineál san den earra san a dhíol no a thairisgint chun a dhíolta) ar phraghas is mó ná an tsuim airgid a bheidh có-ionann leis an bpraghas a rinne a té dhíol é no an té bheidh ar intinn é dhíol d'íoc air maraon le percentáiste áirithe den phraghas san, agus féadfar percentáistí deifriúla den tsórt san do luadh san ordú san maidir le sreathanna deifriúla den tsórt san de choinníollacha.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag na forálacha so leanas maidir le gach ordú praghais (srian le brabús) a déanfar i dtaobh earra, sé sin le rá:—
(a) féadfaidh an t-ordú san baint le níos mó ná aon chineál amháin den earra san, agus sa chás san féadfaidh forálacha deifriúla do bheith ann i dtaobh gach ciníl fé leith den tsórt san den earra san;
(b) isé líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an t-ordú san ná Saorstát Éireann go léir no aon chuid áirithe dhe;
(c) foillseofar an t-ordú san san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta;
(d) luadhfar san ordú san an dáta ar a mbeidh sé le teacht i bhfeidhm, agus ní bheidh an dáta san níos luatha ná dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil;
(e) féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú fén mír seo, an t-ordú praghais (srian le brabús) san do cheiliúradh no do leasú, agus bainfidh forálacha míreanna (c) agus (d) den fho-alt so le gach ordú déanfar fén mír seo.
(3) Más rud é, pé uair agus faid a bheidh ordú praghais (srian le brabús) i bhfeidhm, go ndéanfaidh duine ar bith éinní contrárdha don ordú san, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar céad punt do chur air.
Earraí is abhar d'orduithe praghais agus d'orduithe praghais (srian le brabús) do dhíol do réir meáchainte no tomhais.
31.—Féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, a thoirmeasc, le haon ordú praghais no ordú praghais (srian le brabús), an cineál d'earra no aon chineál amháin no níos mó de sna cineálacha d'earra le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san do dhíol no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san ach amháin do réir na meáchaintí no na dtomhas caighdeánach san agus na n-aonad san a luadhfar san ordú san agus má dheineann duine ar bith éinní contrárdha don toirmeasc san beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
Srian le horduithe do dhéanamh.
32.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh an tAire ordú praghais ná ordú praghais (srian le brabús) maidir le haon chineál no cineálacha d'earra mara mbeidh an Coimisiún tar éis a mholadh dhó an t-ordú san a dhéanamh ach nuair a bheidh an t-ordú san á dhéanamh ag an Aire ní bheidh ceangailte air éifeacht a thabhairt do théarmaí ná d'aon cheann de théarmaí an mholta san.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh an tAire aon ordú praghais ná aon ordú praghais (srian le brabús) maidir le haon earra go mbeidh comhachta reachtúla chun praghsanna do cheapadh infheidhmithe ina taobh de thurus na huaire ag aon Aire eile no duine eile, gan toiliú an Aire eile no an duine eile sin (do réir mar a bheidh).
Comhachta cigirí.
33.—(1) Má bhíonn ordú praghais maidir le cineál ar bith d'earra i bhfeidhm in aon líomatáiste ag ceapadh an phraghais mhaximum ar a bhféadfar aon chineál d'earra do dhíol no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta ar n-a dhíol fé shreath áirithe de choinníollacha, féadfaidh cigire gach ní no éinní acu so leanas do dhéanamh, sé sin le rá:—
(a) dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta in aon áitreabh, sa líomatáiste sin, ina mbíonn díol an chiníl sin den earra san fén sreath san de choinníollacha ar siúl;
(b) a cheangal ar an duine ag á mbíonn an gnó san ar siúl a rá cadé an praghas ar a ndíolann sé an cineál san den earra san;
(c) a cheangal ar an duine sin aon leabhair agus scríbhinní do thaisbeáint a bheidh ina sheilbh no ar fáil aige agus ina mbeidh iontrála i dtaobh méideanna den chineál san den earra san do díoladh;
(d) na leabhair agus na scríbhinní sin d'iniúchadh, agus cóipeanna dhíobh do dhéanamh agus sleachta do thógaint asta.
(2) Má bhíonn ordú praghais (srian le brabús) maidir le cineál ar bith d'earra i bhfeidhm in aon líomatáiste, féadfaidh cigire gach ní no éinní acu so leanas do dhéanamh, sé sin le rá:—
(a) dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta in aon áitreabh, se líomatáiste sin, ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag éinne le n-a mbainfidh an toirmeasc a bheidh san ordú san;
(b) a cheangal ar an duine sin a rá cadé an praghas ar a ndíolann sé an cineál san den earra san;
(c) a cheangal ar an duine sin aon leabhair agus scríbhinní do thaisbeáint a bheidh ina sheilbh no ar fáil aige agus is dóich leis an gcigire sin is gá chun a dhéanamh amach an bhfuiltear ag cólíonadh an orduithe sin no ná fuiltear;
(d) na leabhair agus na scríbhinní sin d'iniúchadh agus do scrúdú agus cóipeanna dhíobh do dhéanamh agus sleachta do thógaint asta.
(3) Más rud é—
(a) go dteipfidh ar éinne no go ndiúltóidh éinne, ar a gceanglóidh cigire go dleathach fén alt so a rá cadé an praghas ar a ndíolann sé aon chineál d'earra, déanamh do réir an cheangail sin, no
(b) go ndiúltóidh éinne ar a gceanglóidh cigire go dleathach fén alt so aon scríbhinn no leabhar do thaisbeáint, an scríbhinn no an leabhar san do thaisbeáint, no
(c) go mbacfaidh no go gcoiscfidh éinne cigire ar bith agus eisean ag feidhmiú aon chomhachta dá mbronntar ar chigire leis an alt so,
beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
CUID IV.
An Iomarca d'eileamh ar Earrai na Baineann Orduithe Praghais leo.
Srian le himeachta fé Chuid IV.
34.—Ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir ní ná rud ar bith ná ní dhéanfaidh deimhniú amach fén gCuid seo den Acht so maidir le praghas aon earra go mbeidh comhachta reachtúla chun praghsanna do cheapadh infheidhmithe ina taobh de thurus na huaire ag éinne eile mara mbeidh sé údaruithe i scríbhinn ag an duine eile sin chun an ní no an ruda san do dhéanamh no chun an deimhnithe sin a dhéanamh amach.
Mion-innste ar earraí ceannófar.
35.—(1) Má dheineann duine go mbíonn gnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige earra ar bith, gur mó ná dhá scilling a praghas, do dhíol i gcúrsa an ghnótha san no mar chuid den ghnó san, ansan, má cheanglann an ceannuitheoir san air uair an díola, seachadfaidh an duine sin ar an láthair sin don cheannuitheoir ráiteas i scríbhinn ina mbeidh na mion-innste seo leanas alos an chiníl sin den earra san, sé sin le rá:—
(a) tuairisc ar an earra;
(b) más do réir meáchainte no tomhais do díoladh an earra, a meáchaint ghlan no a tomhas glan, do réir mar a bheidh;
(c) más do réir lín do díoladh an earra, an líon;
(d) an tsuim do héilíodh ar an earra.
(2) Má theipeann ar dhuine ar bith no má fhaillíonn no má dhiúltann déanamh do réir an ailt seo, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar dhá phunt do chur air.
Gcaráin i dtaobh an iomarca d'éileamh.
36.—(1) Féadfaidh éinne gearán (dá ngairmtear gearán sa Chuid seo den Acht so) do dhéanamh leis an Rialuitheoir á rá go ndearna duine go mbíonn gnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige cineál d'earra do dhíol leis no do thairisgint chun a dhíolta leis ar phraghas ró-árd i gcúrsa an ghnótha san no mar chuid den ghnó san.
(2) Gach duine dhéanfaidh gearán bhéarfaidh don Rialuitheoir na mion-innste sin a theastóidh ón Rialuitheoir chun a chur ar a chumas a chinneadh ce'ca is ceart no nach ceart fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh an ghearáin sin.
(3) Féadfar gearán a dhéanamh leis an Rialuitheoir tré n-a dhéanamh le haon oifigeach eile don Choimisiún a cheapfaidh an Coimisiún chun gearáin a ghlacadh thar ceann an Rialuitheora.
Gearáin do chur fé bhráid chigirí chun fiosrúchán do dhéanamh ina dtaobh.
37.—Ar fháil gearáin don Rialuitheoir cuirfe sé an gearán san fé bhráid chigire chun fiosrúchán do dhéanamh ina thaobh fén gCuid seo den Acht so maran rud é—
(a) gurb é a thuairim gur gearán suaibhreosach an gearán san, no
(b) go dteipfidh ar an duine dhéanfaidh an gearán san an t-eolas san maidir leis an ngearán do thabhairt don Rialuitheoir a theastóidh ón Rialuitheoir, no
(c) go mbeadh na nithe uile agus fé seach adeirtear sa ghearán san, go mbeidís, dá gcruthuítí iad, ina gcionta fé alt 27 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais) no fé alt 30 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais (srian le brabús)) den Acht so.
Cigirí do dhéanamh fiosrúcháin i dtaobh gearán.
38.—(1) Pé uair a cuirfear gearán fé bhráid chigire fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, déanfaidh an cigire sin fiosrúchán i dtaobh an ghearáin sin agus ar a fhiosrúchán do bheith críochnuithe aige tuairisceoidh a thoradh san don Rialuitheoir.
(2) Chun crícheanna fiosrúcháin i dtaobh gearáin féadfaidh cigire, ar a údarás chun gníomhú mar chigire do thaisbeáint, a chur mar cheangal—
(a) ar an duine do rinne an gearán is abhar don fhiosrúchán san colas a bhaineann leis an ngearán do thabhairt dó, pé colas a theastóidh uaidh do réir réasúin agus atá ag an duine sin no atá ar chumas an duine sin d'fháil gan dul fé chostas nea-réasúnta;
(b) ar an díoltóir a luaidhtear sa ghearán san colas a bhaineann leis an ngearán do thabhairt dó, pé colas a theastóidh uaidh do réir réasúin agus atá ag an díoltóir sin no atá ar chumas an dioltóra san d'fháil gan dul fé chostas nea-réasúnta;
(c) ar dhuine ar bith eile, go mbíonn gnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige agus a dheineann an cineál d'earra le n-a mbaineann an gearán san do dhíol i gcúrsa an ghnótha san no mar chuid den ghnó san, an t-eolas san do thabhairt dó theastóidh uaidh do réir réasúin i dtaobh an phraghais íocann an duine sin ar an gcineál san d'earra agus i dtaobh an phraghais ar a ndíolann an duine sin an cineál san d'earra.
(3) Má dhiúltann no má fhaillíonn duine ar bith aon colas do thabhairt do chigire éileoidh sé go dleathach fén alt so, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
Deimhnithe praghais.
39.—(1) Má bheireann cigire tuarasgabháil don Rialuitheoir maidir le gearán do cuireadh fé n-a bhráid chun fiosrúchán do dhéanamh ina thaobh agus másé tuairim an Rialuitheora, tar éis na tuarasgabhála san do bhreithniú, go bhfuil cúis mhaith leis an ngearán san, féadfaidh an Rialuitheoir, le toiliú an Choimisiúin, deimhniú (dá ngairmtear deimhniú praghais san Acht so) do dhéanamh amach sa bhfuirm orduithe, agus na mion-innste orduithe ann, á dheimhniú cadé an praghas is praghas reasúnta, dar leis an Rialuitheoir, ar an gcineál den carra dob abhar don ghearán ar n-a dhíol ag an díoltóir le n-a mbaineann an gearán san i líomatáiste áirithe (ina mbeidh an áit ina ndearnadh an díol dob abhar don ghearán san) fé choinníollacha den tsamhail fé n-a ndearnadh an díol dob abhar don ghearán san, agus seirbheálfaidh cóip den deimhniú san ar an díoltóir sin.
(2) Fanfaidh gach deimhniú praghais i bhfeidhm go dtí go gceiliúrfar é.
(3) Féadfaidh an Rialuitheoir, le toiliú an Choimisiúin, deimhniú praghais d'fhoillsiú i pé slí is oiriúnach leis.
(4) Féadfaidh an Rialuitheoir, le toiliú an Choimisiúin, deimhniú praghais do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(5) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún a iarraidh ar an Rialuitheoir deimhniú praghais do leasú i pé slí is oiriúnach leo no é cheiliúradh agus déanfaidh an Rialuitheoir do réir aon iarratais den tsórt san.
(6) Má deintear ordú praghais maidir le cineál d'earra ar n-a dhíol no ar n-a thairisgint chun a dhíolta i líomatáiste áirithe fé shreath de choinníollacha, ansan, gach deimhniú praghais a bhainfidh leis an gcineál san den carra san ar n-a dhíol no ar n-a thairisgint chun a dhíolta sa líomatáiste sin fé shreath de choinníollacha den tsamhail chéanna scuirfe sé de bheith i bhfeidhm.
(7) Féadfar cóip de dheimhniú praghais do sheirbheáil tré n-a sheachadadh don duine bheidh ainmnithe ann no tré n-a chur tríd an bpost chláruithe chun an duine sin san áitreibh ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl aige.
Ciontaí maidir le deimhnithe praghais.
40.—(1) Pé uair—
(a) a bheidh deimhniú praghais maidir le cineál d'earra i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire, agus
(b) a deimhneofar leis an deimhniú san praghas do bheith ina phraghas reasúnta le héileamh ar an gcineál san den earra san ar n-a dhíol sa líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an deimhniú san fé sna coinníollacha bheidh luaidhte sa deimhniú san, agus
(c) a bheidh cóip den deimhniú san seirbheálta go cuibhe ar an duine bheidh ainmnithe ann,
ní bheidh sé dleathach don duine sin an cineál san den earra san do dhíol ná do thairisgint chun a dhíolta sa líomatáiste sin fé sna coinníollacha san ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas san.
(2) Má dheineann duine ar bith éinní is sárú ar an alt so, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air másé an chéad chionta aige é agus, másé an dara cionta no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin aige é, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nach sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
(3) Má deintear, in aon imeachta mar gheall ar chionta fén alt so, deimhniú praghais do thabhairt i láthair a bheireann le tuisgint é bheith fé láimh an Rialuitheora, beidh san ina fhianaise prima facie ar an deimhniú san do bheith déanta go dleathach ar gach slí agus ar é bheith fé láimh an Rialuitheora.
(4) Ní déanfar imeachta mar gheall ar chionta fén alt so do bhunú ach le toiliú an Choimisiúin.
CUID V.
Liostai de Phraghsanna Mion-Diola do Thaisbeaint i Siopai Mion-Diola.
Molta maidir le liostaí de phraghsanna do thaisbeáint i siopaí mion-díola.
41.—(1) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil (dá ngairmtear tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna sa Chuid seo den Acht so) do thabhairt don Aire á rá gurb é a dtuairim go raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta an tAire do dhéanamh orduithe fén gCuid seo den Acht so á cheangal ar gach duine bhíonn ag mion-díol aon chiníl no cineálacha áirithe (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an gCoimisiún) d'earra áirithe in aon áit i Saorstát Éireann no in áiteanna áirithe i Saorstát Éireann (fé mar a luadhfar sa tuarasgabháil sin) liost ar a mbeidh praghas mion-díola gach ciníl fé leith den earra san do thaisbeáint san áitreabh ina mbíonn an gnó san ar siúl ag an duine sin.
(2) Féadfaidh tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna baint le níos mó ná aon earra amháin.
(3) Luadhfar i ngach tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna—
(a) na fáthanna atá le tuairim an Choimisiúin go raghadh sé chun leasa na publíochta an t-ordú is abhar don tuarasgabháil do dhéanamh;
(b) gach cineál fé leith den earra no de sna hearraí le n-ar cheart baint do bheith ag an ordú beartuithe;
(c) an dáta mholann an Coimisiún chun an orduithe bheartuithe do theacht i bhfeidhm, agus ré an orduithe sin;
(d) an líomatáiste mholann an Coimisiún gur cheart an t-ordú beartuithe do bhaint leis;
(e) an tslí mholann an Coimisiún is ceart a chur mar cheangal leis an ordú beartuithe an liost de phraghsanna do thaisbeáint.
Orduithe praghas mion-díola taisbeáint).
42.—(1) Fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, féadfaidh an tAire, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leis é, ordú (dá ngairmtear ordú praghas mion-díola (taisbeáint) sa Chuid seo den Acht so) do dhéanamh á cheangal ar gach duine bhíonn ag mion-díol aon chiníl no cineálacha áirithe (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leis an Aire) d'earra áirithe in aon líomatáiste áirithe liost ar a mbeidh praghas mion-díola gach ciníl fé leith den earra san do thaisbeáint, sa tslí a héilítear leis an ordú san, in aon áitreabh, feithicil, stalla, both, no seastán eile ina mbíonn an gnó san ar siúl aige sa liomatáiste sin.
(2) Féadfaidh ordú praghas mion-díola (taisbeáint) baint le níos mó ná carra amháin.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú fén bhfo-alt so ordú praghas mion-díola (taisbeaint) do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(4) Déanfar gach ordú praghas mion-díola (taisbeáint) fén alt so d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus luadhfar ann an dáta (ná beidh níos luatha ná deich lá tar éis dáta a fhoillsithe san Iris Oifigiúil) ar a mbeidh an t-ordú san le teacht i bhfeidhm.
(5) Ní dhéanfaidh an tAire ordú praghas mion-diola (taisbeáint) maidir le haon chineál d'earra mara bhfaighe sé tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna alos an chiníl sin den earra san ach nuair a bheidh an t-ordú san á dhéanamh ag an Aire ní bheidh téarmaí ná aon cheann de théarmaí na tuarasgabhála san ina cheangal air.
Ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghas mion-díola (taisbeáint).
43.—Má dheineann duine ar bith éinní is sárú ar ordú praghas mion-díola (taisbeáint) a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire no má theipeann air no má fhaillíonn sé déanamh do réir orduithe den tsórt san, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air másé an chéad chionta aige é agus, másé an dara cionta no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin aige é, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nach sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
CUID VI.
Foralacha Ilghneitheacha.
Tuairisceáin o dhaoine dhíolann earraí.
44.—(1) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún, pé uair agus chó minic agus is oiriúnach leo é, fógra d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil—
(a) á rá go bhfuil ar intinn acu bheith ag faire, ar feadh aon tréimhse áirithe, ar na praghsanna bheidh á n-éileamh in aon líomatáiste no líomatáistí ar aon chineál no cineálacha (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leo) d'earra do dhíol fé aon tsreath no sreathanna de choinníollacha (a míneofar sa tslí sin agus do réir na nithe sin is ceart dar leo), agus
(b) á cheangal ar gach duine bhíonn ag gabháil sa líomatáiste no sna líomatáistí sin do ghnó ina ndeintear aon díola den tsórt san tuairisceán ina mbeidh na mion-innste sin, maidir leis na praghsanna gheibhtear de bharr na ndíol san, a luadhfar sa bhfógra san do chur go tráthrialta chun an Choimisiúin i rith na tréimhse sin.
(2) Pé uair fhoillseoidh an Coimisiún fógra fén alt so beidh gach duine ar a dteipfidh tuairisceán do chur chun an Choimisiúin a ceangalófar air leis an bhfógra san a chur chúcha, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air.
An Coimisiún d'fhoillsiú eolais dtaobh praghas.
45.—Féadfaidh an Coimisiún pé eolas d'fhoillsiú i pé slí is oiriúnach leo i dtaobh praghsanna a héilítear go generálta i Saorstát Éireann no in aon líomatáiste no líomatáistí áirithe ar aon chineál no cineálacha d'earra do dhíol fé aon tsreath no sreathanna áirithe de choinníollacha.
Cosnaimh reachtúla.
46.—(1) Má deintear duine, is fostóir no is príomhaire, do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fé alt 27 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais) no fé alt 30 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais (srian le brabús)) no fé alt 40 (a bhaineann le ciontaí maidir le deimhnithe praghais) den Acht so beidh sé ina chosnamh mhaith don duine sin ar an gcúiseamh san a chruthú—
(a) go ndearna sé dícheall cuibhe chun déanamh na nithe adeirtear is cionta ann do chosc; agus
(b) nach é féin a rinne na nithe adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann; agus
(c) nach le n-a chead féin ná tré n-a fhaillí thoiliúil ná tré é dá scaoileadh thairis a rinneadh na nithe sin; agus
(d) ar an ngairm do sheirbheáil air go dtug sé don chúisitheoir gach colas a bhí ar a chumas i dtaobh an duine do rinne na nithe sin.
(2) Má deintear duine, is seirbhíseach no is fostaí. do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fé alt 27 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais) no fé alt 30 (a bhaineann le horduithe praghais (srian le brabús)) no fé alt 40 (a bhaineann le ciontaí maidir le deimhnithe praghais) den Acht so, beidh sé ina chosnamh mhaith don duine sin ar an gcúiseamh san a chruthú—
(a) go raibh sé ar fostú ag duine eile (dá ngairmtear an fostóir sa bhfo-alt so); agus
(b) gur i gcúrsa agus chun crícheanna na fostaíochta san a rinne sé na nithe adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann; agus
(c) ná raibh sé ach ag géilleadh d'orduithe soiléire an fhostóra nuair a rinne sé na nithe sin; agus
(d) ar an ngairm do sheirbheáil air go dtug sé uaidh gach eolas a bhí ar a chumas i dtaobh na nithe luaidhtear sna míreanna san roimhe seo.
Eifeacht ordú fé Chuid III aguséifeacht deimhniú fé Chuid IV maídir le connartha atá ann cheana.
47.—(1) I gcás connartha chun earra ar bith do dhíol le n-a mbaineann ordú praghais no ordú praghais (srian le brabús) no deimhniú praghais do dhéanamh roimh dháta an orduithe no an deimhnithe sin do theacht i bhfeidhm agus gur tar éis an dáta san a bheidh an connradh san go léir no aon chuid de le cólíonadh, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) ní dhéanfaidh éinní atá i gCuid III, ná i gCuid IV, den Acht so deifir don chonnradh san ná d'aon cheann dá théarmaí;
(b) éinní déanfar fén gconnradh san tuigfear, chun crícheanna Coda III, no Coda IV, den Acht so, ach ní chun aon chríche eile, gur roimh an dáta san do rinneadh é.
(2) I gcás tairisginte chun cineál ar bith d'earra do chur ar fáil ar phraghsanna áirithe i rith tréimhse áirithe do ghlacadh roimh dháta orduithe phraghais no orduithe phraghais (srian le brabús) no deimhnithe phraghais a bhaineann leis an gcineál san den earra san do theacht i bhfeidhm agus é bheith ceangailte do réir dlí, fé réir forálacha na tairisginte sin, ar neach déanta na tairisginte sin pé caindíochtaí den chineál san den earra san a chur ar fáil a hordófar uaidh o am go ham i rith na tréimhse sin, tuigfear gach connradh dá ndeintear deifir tré ordú i gcóir an chiníl sin den earra san i rith na tréimhse sin agus tar éis an dáta san. tuigfear chun crícheanna fo-ailt (1) den alt so gur roimh an dáta san do rinneadh é.
Number 26 of 1937.
CONTROL OF PRICES ACT, 1937.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General
Section | |
Prices Commission and Controller of Prices
Notice of investigations by the Commission and submissions by interested persons. | |
Price Investigations and Orders
Reports by the Commission where prices not unreasonably high. | |
Overcharging for Commodities not the Subject of Price Orders
Display of Retail Price Lists in Retail Shops
Recommendations as to the display of price lists in retail shops. | |
Miscellaneous Provisions
Publication by Commission of information in relation to prices. | |
Effect of orders under Part III and certificates under Part IV on existing contracts. |
Acts Referred to | |
No. 33 of 1932 | |
No. 19 of 1932 | |
Number 26 of 1937.
CONTROL OF PRICES ACT, 1937.
PART I.
Preliminary and General.
Short title and commencement.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Control of Prices Act, 1937.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such day as may be fixed therefor by order of the Minister.
Definitions.
2.—In this Act—
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Industry and Commerce;
the expression “dutiable article” means any article which, if imported, would on importation be liable to a customs duty;
the expression “restricted article” means any article the importation of which is prohibited or restricted by law;
the expression “set of conditions” includes a single condition;
the word “inspector” means a person authorised in writing by the Minister to exercise the powers conferred by this Act on an inspector;
the word “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act.
Articles acquired on hire-purchase system.
3.—Where any article is hired by a person under an agreement whereby it is provided that, upon payment by him of a specified number of instalments, the ownership of such article shall pass to him, such article shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have been sold to him by the person from whom such article was hired, and such sale shall, for the said purpose, be deemed to have taken place on the date on which such agreement is entered into.
Offences.
4.—(1) Save as otherwise expressly provided by this Act, any offence under any section of this Act may be prosecuted by or at the suit of the Minister as prosecutor.
(2) Where an offence under any section of this Act was committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been so committed with the consent or approval of, or to have been facilitated by any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of such body corporate, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of such offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
General regulations.
5.—The Minister may make regulations in relation to any matter or thing referred to in this Act as prescribed or to be prescribed.
Laying of orders and regulations before Dáil Eireann.
6.—Every order and regulation made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before Dáil Eireann as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution annulling such order or regulation is passed by Dáil Eireann within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which Dáil Eireann has sat after such order or regulation is laid before it, such order or regulation (as the case may be) shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything done previously under such order or regulation.
Repeal of the Control of Prices Act, 1932.
7.—The Control of Prices Act, 1932 (No. 33 of 1932), is hereby repealed.
Expenses.
8.—All expenses of carrying this Act into execution shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
PART II.
Prices Commission and Controller of Prices.
Establishment of Prices Commission.
9.—(1) As soon as conveniently may be after the commencement of this Act, there shall be established a Commission (in this Act referred to as the Commission), which shall be known as and styled the Prices Commission, to fulfil the functions assigned to the Commission by this Act.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Commission shall consist of three members (in this Act called ordinary members) who shall be nominated from time to time as occasion requires by the Minister.
(3) Every ordinary member shall, unless he sooner dies, resigns or becomes disqualified, hold office for such period, not exceeding five years, as the Minister shall fix at the time of his nomination, but shall be eligible for renomination.
(4) If and whenever an ordinary member is adjudged bankrupt, or makes a composition or arrangement with his creditors, or is sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction to suffer imprisonment or penal servitude, or ceases to be ordinarily resident in Saorstát Eireann or absents himself from all sittings of the Commission for a period of three months without the permission of the Minister, he shall be disqualified from holding the office of an ordinary member.
(5) Whenever it appears to the Minister that on account of illness or for other sufficient reason an ordinary member of the Commission is temporarily unable to discharge his duties as such member, the Minister may appoint a person to act as an ordinary member for such period (not exceeding the duration of such inability) as he shall think proper, and every person so appointed to act as an ordinary member of the Commission shall during the period for which he is so appointed be an ordinary member of the Commission in the place of such first-mentioned ordinary member.
Additional members of the Commission.
10.—(1) The Minister may from time to time for the purposes of any particular investigation by the Commission appoint such and so many persons (not being ordinary members) to act as additional members of the Commission as he thinks fit.
(2) Every additional member so appointed shall for the purposes of the investigation for which he is appointed be a member of the Commission.
Chairman of the Commission.
11.—(1) The Minister shall appoint one of the ordinary members to be Chairman of the Commission and the ordinary member so appointed shall hold office as such Chairman during the pleasure of the Minister.
(2) Where at any sitting of the Commission the Chairman of the Commission is absent, the members of the Commission present at such sitting shall appoint one of such members to act as Chairman at such sitting.
Remuneration of members of the Commission.
12.—Any member of the Commission may be paid such remuneration and allowances as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may determine.
Restriction on interested person acting as member.
13.—Whenever an investigation is being held under this Act by the Commission into the price of a particular commodity, and any member of the Commission is personally interested in any business selling such commodity, such member shall inform the Minister of the nature and extent of his interest and shall not, unless authorised by the Minister so to do, act as a member of the Commission for the purposes of such investigation.
Validity of proceedings of the Commission.
14.—The proceedings of the Commission shall not be invalidated by reason of the existence of any vacancy amongst the members or any defect in the appointment of any member.
Controller of Prices.
15.—(1) As soon as conveniently may be after the commencement of this Act, the Minister shall appoint a person (in this Act referred to as the Controller) to be known as and styled the Controller of Prices.
(2) The Controller shall hold office upon such terms and be remunerated at such rates and in such manner as the Minister for Finance shall direct.
(3) Whenever the Controller is temporarily absent from duty for any cause, the Commission may nominate an officer of the Commission to perform during such absence the duties of the Controller, and the officer so appointed shall, during such absence, have all the powers of the Controller and be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be the Controller.
Regulations for proceedings of the Commission.
16.—(1) The Commission may from time to time make regulations for the governance of their proceedings and may by such regulations make provision for all or any of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the quorum at any sitting of the Commission;
(b) the times and places of the sittings of the Commission;
(c) the persons to whom notice of the sittings of the Commission shall be given;
(d) the form and manner in which submissions shall be made and evidence given to the Commission, and in particular, whether such submissions and evidence shall be given viva voce or in writing;
(e) the attendance for viva voce or cross-examination of persons who have made submissions or given evidence in writing;
(f) the admission or exclusion of any person to or from the sittings of the Commission;
(g) such matters as appear to the Commission to be necessary or expedient for the proper conduct of their business.
(2) Regulations made under this section shall not have any force or effect unless and until they have been approved by the Minister.
(3) Any regulations made under section 17 of the Control of Prices Act, 1932 (No. 33 of 1932), and in force immediately before the commencement of this Act shall be deemed to have been made under this section and may be revoked or amended accordingly and until so revoked and subject to any such amendment shall continue in force.
Powers of Commission.
17.—(1) The Commission shall have all such powers, rights, and privileges for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath (which any member of the Commission is hereby authorised to administer) or otherwise, and for compelling the production of documents as are vested in the High Court, or a judge thereof in respect of the trial of an action, and a summons signed by any one or more members of the Commission shall be equivalent to and have the like effect as a formal process issued by the High Court for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents.
(2) If any person—
(a) on being duly summoned as a witness before the Commission makes default in attending, or
(b) being in attendance as a witness refuses to take an oath legally required by the Commission to be taken, or to produce any document in his power and control legally required by the Commission to be produced by him, or to answer any question to which the Commission may legally require an answer, or
(c) does any other thing which would, if the Commission were a court of justice, having power to commit for contempt of court, be contempt of such court,
the Commission may certify the offence of that person under their hands to the High Court and that court may, after such inquiry as it thinks proper to make, punish or take steps for the punishment of that person in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of the said court.
(3) A witness before the Commission shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
Notice of investigations by the Commission and submissions by interested persons.
18.—(1) Whenever the Commission hold an investigation under Part III of this Act, the Commission shall cause notice of the holding of such investigation to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil and in such other manner as the Commission think suitable.
(2) On the publication of a notice under the immediately preceding sub-section any person either on his own behalf or in a representative capacity may make a submission to the Commission in relation to the subject matter of the investigation to which such notice relates.
Private sittings of the Commission.
19.—The Commission may, in their absolute discretion, hold any sitting or part of a sitting in private and the reference in the next following section to a private sitting of the Commission shall be construed as a reference to a sitting or part of a sitting of the Commission held in private.
Prohibition on disclosure of information.
20.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section it shall not be lawful for any person who is a member or an officer of the Commission to disclose any information, available to him only by virtue of the powers of obtaining information conferred upon the Commission or upon an inspector by this Act, to any person other than a member or officer of the Commission concerned with such information in the course of his duties.
(2) It shall not be lawful for any person (other than a member or officer of the Commission) who attends a private sitting of the Commission to disclose to any person any information acquired through being present at such sitting and which is available only by virtue of the powers of obtaining information conferred upon the Commission or an inspector by this Act.
(3) If any person acts in contravention of this section he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds or imprisonment for a period of six months or at the discretion of the Court to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(4) Nothing in sub-section (1) of this section shall apply to the disclosure of any information—
(a) to the Minister in a report (not being an annual report) or other communication from the Commission, or
(b) for the purposes of legal proceedings taken or proposed to be taken under this Act.
Annual Reports by the Commission.
21.—The Commission shall, as soon as may be after the close of every year, make to the Minister a general report of the proceedings of the Commission under this Act, and the Minister shall cause every such general report received by him to be laid forthwith before Dáil Eireann.
Continuance of certain existing inquiries.
22.—Where—
(a) (i) the Minister, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 23 of the Control of Prices Act, 1932 (No. 33 of 1932), appointed the Commission (in this section referred to as the former Prices Commission) established under section 9 of the said Act to hold a public inquiry for the purposes of section 17 of the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932 (No. 19 of 1932), and
(ii) such public inquiry is pending at the commencement of this Act, or
(b) an investigation under either section 24 or section 41 of the said Control of Prices Act, 1932, is pending at the commencement of this Act,
such public inquiry or investigation (as the case may be) shall be continued by the Commission and shall be deemed to be a price investigation under Part III of this Act by the Commission, and any acts or things done by the former Prices Commission shall be deemed to have been done by the Commission under this Act.
PART III.
Price Investigations and Orders.
Investigations into prices of commodities.
23.—(1) The Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, request the Commission to enquire into the prices charged for a commodity.
(2) The Commission may, whenever and so often as they think fit, but subject to their giving previous notice of their intention to the Minister, resolve to inquire into the prices charged for a commodity.
(3) Where the Minister requests the Commission to inquire into the prices charged for a commodity or the Commission resolve to inquire into the prices charged for a commodity, the Commission shall hold an investigation (in this Act referred to as a price investigation) into the prices charged for such kind or kinds (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Commission think proper) of the said commodity as the Commission determine when sold, under such set or sets of conditions (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Commission think proper) as the Commission determine in such area or areas as the Commission determine
(4) In defining or determining under the immediately preceding sub-section any matter or thing for the purposes of a price investigation, the Commission shall comply with any directions as regards the nature and scope of such investigation given by the Minister, whether before or during such investigation.
(5) The Commission may, in the course of a price investigation into the prices charged for any kind of a commodity, extend such price investigation to any other commodity, the whole or any part of which is, in the opinion of the Commission, the principal or only constituent of such first-mentioned commodity.
(6) Where, in the course of an investigation into the prices charged for any kind of a commodity, it appears to the Commission that the prices, received by producers in Saorstát Eireann for any other commodity (being an agricultural product or raw material) the whole or any part of which is, in the opinion of the Commission, the principal or only constituent of such first-mentioned commodity are, having regard to the cost of production of such other commodity, unduly low, the Commission may make a special report to the Minister in relation to the matter and make therein such recommendations as they think fit.
(7) The Minister may, during a price investigation, request the Commission not to proceed further with such investigation, and the Commission shall comply with any such request.
Reports by the Commission where prices not unreasonably high.
24.—Where a price investigation is or includes an investigation into the prices charged for a particular kind of a commodity when sold under a particular set of conditions, and the Commission are of opinion that such prices are not unreasonably high, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Commission shall make a report to the Minister setting out their said opinion;
(b) in case such kind of such commodity is a dutiable article or a restricted article and the said set of conditions relates to sales by persons who are manufacturers or producers thereof in Saorstát Eireann such report shall also set out the movements of the said prices over a specified period.
Reports by the Commission where prices unreasonably high.
25.—(1) Where a price investigation is or includes an investigation into the prices charged for a particular kind of a commodity when sold under a particular set of conditions, and the Commission are of opinion that such prices are unreasonably high, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Commission shall make a report to the Minister setting out—
(i) their said opinion and the reasons therefor;
(ii) their opinion as to whether such prices are influenced by any agreement or combination for interference with trade competition;
(iii) their opinion as to the price to which the said prices should be reduced and their reasons therefor;
(iv) their recommendations as to the best method of enforcing such reduction;
(v) such other matters (if any) as the Commission may think proper, or may have been requested by the Minister, to report upon;
(b) if the Commission recommend the Minister to make, in relation to such kind of such commodity, a price order their report shall also include—
(i) a draft of the proposed order, and
(ii) in case such draft provides that the maximum price specified therein is to be a variable price dependant on the price of any other commodity, the whole or any part of which is, in the opinion of the Commission, the principal or only constituent of such first-mentioned commodity, a statement of the price which is, in the opinion of the Commission, a reasonable price for such other commodity;
(c) if the Commission recommend the Minister to make, in relation to such kind of such commodity, a price (restriction on profits) order, their report shall also include a draft of the proposed order.
(2) Where a price investigation is or includes an investigation into the prices charged for a particular kind (being either a dutiable article or a restricted article or both) of a commodity when sold under the following set of conditions, namely by persons who are manufacturers or producers thereof in Saorstát Eireann, and the Commission are of opinion that such prices are unreasonably high, the following provisions shall, in addition to those mentioned in the immediately preceding sub-section, apply in respect of the report of the Commission, that is to say:—
(a) the said report shall specify the movements of the said prices over a specified period;
(b) if such kind of such commodity is a dutiable article but is not a restricted article, the said report shall also specify—
(i) the price which, in the opinion of the Commission an importer would give for it if it were imported direct from the manufacturer or producer thereof and were delivered, freight and insurance paid, in bond at a specified place of importation in Saorstát Eireann;
(ii) whether, in the opinion of the Commission, it is desirable that the customs duty payable thereon should be reduced and, if so, the extent of such reduction;
(c) if such kind of such commodity is a dutiable article and is also a restricted article, the said report shall also specify—
(i) the price which, in the opinion of the Commission, an importer would give for it, if it were not a restricted article, and if it were imported direct from the manufacturer or producer thereof and were delivered, freight and insurance paid, in bond at a specified place of importation in Saorstát Eireann;
(ii) whether, in the opinion of the Commission, it is desirable that the customs duty payable thereon should be reduced, and, if so, the extent of such reduction;
(iii) whether, in the opinion of the Commission, it is desirable that the restrictions on the importation thereof should be modified, and, if so, the extent of such modification;
(d) if such kind of such commodity is a restricted article but is not a dutiable article, the said report shall also specify—
(i) the price which, in the opinion of the Commission, an importer would give for it, if it were not a restricted article, and if it were imported direct from the manufacturer or producer thereof and were delivered freight and insurance paid at a specified place of importation in Saorstát Eireann;
(ii) whether, in the opinion of the Commission, the restrictions on the importation thereof should be modified, and, if so, the extent of such modification.
Publication of reports of Commission.
26.—The Minister may publish in such manner as he thinks fit all or any part of any report made to him by the Commission under this Part of this Act.
Price orders.
27.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Minister may whenever and so often as he thinks fit, by order (in this Act referred to as a price order) fix, in relation to a commodity, the maximum price at which a specified kind (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks proper) of such commodity may be sold or offered for sale in a specified area when sold or offered for sale under such set or sets of conditions (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks proper) as shall be specified in such order, and may so fix different prices in relation to different such sets of conditions.
(2) The following provisions shall apply in respect of every price order made in relation to a commodity, that is to say:—
(a) such price order may relate to more than one kind of such commodity, and in that case may contain different provisions in relation to such kind of such commodity;
(b) the area to which such order is to apply may be either the whole of Saorstát Eireann or any specified part thereof;
(c) such order shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is made;
(d) such order shall specify the date on which it is to come into force, and such date shall not be earlier than the date of publication thereof in the Iris Oifigiúil;
(e) the Minister may by order under this paragraph revoke or amend such price order, and the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this sub-section shall apply to every order made under this paragraph.
(3) Whenever the Minister makes, in relation to any commodity, a price order he may, if he so thinks fit, do by such order, the following things, that is to say:—
(a) declare that any other commodity, the whole or any part of which is in his opinion, the principal or only constituent of such first-mentioned commodity, shall, for the purposes of such price order, be the principal constituent of such first-mentioned commodity;
(b) fix any maximum price included in such order as a variable price dependant, in the manner provided by such price order, on the price which is, by virtue of the next following section, the standard price for the time being of such other commodity.
(4) Whenever—
(a) a price order is in force, and
(b) such order fixes a price at which a kind of a commodity may be sold or offered for sale in the area to which such order applies when sold or offered for sale under a particular set of conditions,
every person who sells or offers for sale any such kind of such commodity in such area under such set of conditions at a price in excess of such maximum price shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence under this section, to a fine not exceeding five pounds, or, in the case of a second or any subsequent offence under this section, to a fine not exceeding ten pounds or at the discretion of the Court to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Orders ancillary to price orders.
28.—(1) Whenever the Minister makes in relation to any commodity a price order, and by such order declares that any other commodity shall, for the purposes of such price order, be the principal constituent of such first-mentioned commodity, he shall, before such price order comes into force, and may, thereafter whenever and so often as he thinks fit, make an order (in this section referred to as an ancillary order) fixing such price as he thinks proper to be, for the purposes of such price order, the standard price of such other commodity, and the price so fixed by any such ancillary order shall, so long as such ancillary order remains in force, be, for the purposes of such price order, the standard price of such other commodity.
(2) The Minister may by order revoke any ancillary order.
(3) Every ancillary order and every order revoking an ancillary order shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is made and shall specify the date on which it is to come into force, and such date shall not be earlier than the date of publication thereof in the Iris Oifigiúil.
Applications for amendment of price orders by retailers.
29.—Whenever—
(a) a price order has been made fixing the maximum price at which a particular kind of a commodity may be sold in a particular area when sold retail, and
(b) an application is made to the Minister by a person, carrying on in such area the business of selling retail such kind of such commodity, to amend such price order by increasing the said maximum price on the ground that the wholesale price of such kind of such commodity has increased since the making of such price order,
the Minister shall, unless he revokes or amends, in accordance with such application, so much of the said order as relates to the said maximum price, forthwith request the Commission to make an investigation into such application, and the Commission shall as soon as may be make such investigation and report to the Minister the result thereof.
Price (restriction on profits) orders.
30.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, make, in respect of a commodity, an order (in this Act referred to as a price (restriction on profits) order) prohibiting the sale, or offering for sale, of a particular kind (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks proper) of such commodity when sold or offered for sale in a specified area under a particular set of conditions (defined, but not so as to include a sale or an offer of sale by a person who is a manufacturer thereof, in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks proper) at a price in excess of the sum of money which is equivalent to the price which the seller or intending seller has paid therefor with the addition of a specified percentage of such price, and such order may specify different such percentages in relation to different such sets of conditions.
(2) The following provisions shall apply in respect of every price (restriction on profits) order made in relation to a commodity, that is to say:—
(a) such order may relate to more than one kind of such commodity, and in that case may contain different provisions in relation to each such kind of such commodity;
(b) the area to which such order is to apply may be either the whole of Saorstát Eireann or any part thereof;
(c) such order shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is made;
(d) such order shall specify the date on which it is to come into force, and such date shall not be earlier than the date of publication thereof in the Iris Oifigiúil;
(e) the Minister may by order under this paragraph revoke or amend such price (restriction on profits) order, and the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this sub-section shall apply to every order made under this paragraph.
(3) If, whenever and so long as a price (restriction on profits) order is in force, any person acts in contravention of such order, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds.
Sale by weight or measure of articles the subject of price orders and price (restriction on profits) orders.
31.—The Minister may, if he thinks fit, by any price order or price (restriction on profits) order prohibit the sale or offering for sale in the area to which such order applies of the kind or any one or more of the kinds of a commodity to which such order relates except by such standard weights or measures and such units as may be specified in such order and if any person acts in contravention of such prohibition he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Restrictions on making of orders.
32.—(1) The Minister shall not make in relation to any kind or kinds of a commodity a price order or a price (restriction on profits) order unless he has received from the Commission a recommendation to make such order, but in making such order the Minister shall not be bound to give effect to the terms or any of the terms of such recommendation.
(2) The Minister shall not make any price order or price (restriction on profits) order in relation to any commodity in respect of which statutory powers of fixing prices are for the time being exercisable by any other Minister or person, without the consent of that other Minister or person (as the case may be).
Powers of inspectors.
33.—(1) Where a price order in relation to any kind of commodity is in force in any area fixing the maximum price at which any kind of a commodity may be sold or offered for sale when sold under a particular set of conditions, an inspector may do all or any of the following things:—
(a) at all reasonable times enter any premises, situate in such area, in which the business of selling such kind of such commodity under such set of conditions is carried on;
(b) require the person who carries on such business to state the price at which he sells such kind of such commodity;
(c) require such person to produce any books and documents in his possession or procurement containing entries in relation to sales of such kind of such commodity;
(d) inspect such books and documents, and take copies and extracts thereof.
(2) Where a price (restriction on profits) order in relation to any kind of a commodity is in force in any area, an inspector may do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—
(a) at all reasonable times enter upon any premises, situate in such area, in which any person, to whom the prohibition contained in such order applies, carries on business;
(b) require such person to state the price at which he sells such kind of such commodity;
(c) require such person to produce any books and documents in his possession or procurement which such inspector considers necessary for the purposes of ascertaining whether such order is being complied with;
(d) inspect and examine such books and documents, and take copies and extracts thereof.
(3) If—
(a) any person, who is lawfully required by an inspector under this section to state the price at which he sells any kind of a commodity, fails or refuses to comply with such requisition, or
(b) any person who is lawfully required by an inspector under this section to produce any document or book, refuses to produce such document or book, or
(c) any person obstructs or impedes any inspector in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on an inspector by this section,
such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
PART IV.
Overcharging for Commodities not the subject of Price Orders.
Restriction on proceedings under Part IV.
34.—The Controller shall not do any act or thing or make a certificate under this Part of this Act in relation to the price of any commodity in respect of which statutory powers of fixing prices are for the time being exercisable by any other person except he is authorised in writing by such other person to do such act or thing or make such certificate.
Statement of particulars of purchases.
35.—(1) Where a person who carries on a business by way of trade or gain sells in the course or as part of such business any kind of a commodity, the price of which exceeds two shillings, such person shall, if so required by the purchaser at the time of sale, then and there deliver to the purchaser a statement in writing setting out in respect of such kind of such commodity the following particulars, that is to say:—
(a) a description;
(b) if the sale is by weight or measure, the net weight or measure, as the case may be;
(c) if the sale is by number, the number;
(d) the sum charged.
(2) If any person fails, neglects, or refuses to comply with this section, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding two pounds.
Complaints of overcharging.
36.—(1) Any person may make to the Controller a complaint (in this Part of this Act referred to as a complaint) that a person who carries on a business by way of trade or for the purposes of gain has sold or offered for sale to him in the course of or as part of such business a kind of a commodity at an unreasonably high price.
(2) Every person making a complaint shall furnish to the Controller such particulars as the Controller may require to enable him to determine whether such complaint should or should not be investigated.
(3) A complaint to the Controller may be made by making it to any other officer of the Commission appointed by the Commission to receive complaints on behalf of the Controller.
Reference of complaints to inspectors for investigation.
37.—The Controller shall on receipt of a complaint refer it to an inspector for investigation under this Part of this Act unless—
(a) he is of opinion that such complaint is frivolous, or
(b) the person making such complaint fails to furnish to the Controller such information in relation thereto as he requires, or
(c) the several matters alleged in such complaint would, if proved, constitute an offence under section 27 (which relates to price orders) or section 30 (which relates to price (restriction on profits) orders) of this Act.
Investigation of complaints by inspectors.
38.—(1) Whenever a complaint is referred to an inspector under the immediately preceding section, such inspector shall investigate such complaint and when he has completed his investigation shall report the result thereof to the Controller.
(2) For the purposes of an investigation into a complaint an inspector may on production of his authority to act as an inspector require—
(a) the person who made the complaint the subject of such investigation to furnish him with such information relevant to the complaint as he may reasonably require and as is either in the possession of such person or in the power, without incurring unreasonable expense, of such person to obtain;
(b) the seller mentioned in such complaint to furnish him with such information relevant to the complaint as be may reasonably require and as is either in the possession of such seller or in the power, without incurring unreasonable expense, of such seller to obtain;
(c) any other person, who carries on a business by way of trade or for the purposes of gain and who sells in the, course of or as part of such business the kind of commodity to which such complaint relates, to furnish him with such information as he may reasonably require in relation to the price which such person pays for such kind of commodity and the price at which such person sells such kind of commodity.
(3) If any person refuses or neglects to furnish an inspector with any information lawfully required by him under this section, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Price certificates.
39.—(1) Where a report is made to the Controller by an inspector on a complaint referred to him for investigation and the Controller, after consideration of such report, is of opinion that such complaint is well founded, the Controller may, with the consent of the Commission, make a certificate (in this Act referred to as a price certificate) in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars, certifying the price which, in the opinion of the Controller, is a reasonable price for the kind of the commodity which was the subject of the complaint when sold by the seller to whom such complaint relates in a specified area (which shall include the place in which the sale the subject of such complaint took place) under conditions similar to those under which the sale the subject of such complaint was made, and serve a copy of such certificate upon such seller.
(2) Every price certificate shall remain in force until revoked.
(3) The Controller may, with the consent of the Commission, publish a price certificate in such manner as he thinks fit.
(4) The Controller may, with the consent of the Commission, revoke or amend a price certificate.
(5) The Commission may request the Controller to amend, in such manner as they may think fit, or revoke a price certificate and the Controller shall comply with any such request.
(6) Where a price order is made in relation to a kind of a commodity when sold or offered for sale in a particular area under a set of conditions, every price certificate relating to such kind of such commodity when sold or offered for sale in such area under a similar set of conditions shall cease to be in force.
(7) A copy of a price certificate may be served by delivering it to the person named therein or by sending it by registered post to such person at the premises where he carries on business.
Offences in relation to prices certificates.
40.—(1) Whenever—
(a) a price certificate in relation to a kind of a commodity is for the time being in force, and
(b) such certificate certifies a price as a reasonable price to be charged for such kind of such commodity when sold in the area to which such certificate applies under the conditions specified in such certificate, and
(c) a copy of such certificate has been duly served on the person named therein,
it shall not be lawful for such person to sell or offer for sale such kind of such commodity in such area under such conditions at a price in excess of such price.
(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof in the case of a first offence to a fine not exceeding five pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding ten pounds, or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
(3) In any proceedings for an offence under this section the production of a price certificate purporting to be signed by the Controller shall be primâ facie evidence that such certificate was validly made in all respects and was signed by the Controller.
(4) Proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituted except with the consent of the Commission.
PART V.
Display of Retail Price Lists in Retail Shops.
Recommendations as to the display of price lists in retail shops.
41.—(1) The Commission may make a report (in this Part of this Act referred to as a price list report) to the Minister stating that in their opinion it is desirable, in the public interest, that the Minister should make an order under this Part of this Act requiring every person who carries on the business of selling retail either (as may be specified in such report) at any place in Saorstát Eireann or, at particular places in Saorstát Eireann any specified kind or kinds (defined in such manner and by references to such things as the Commission think proper) of a specified commodity to display at the premises where such person carries on such business a list stating the retail price of each such kind of such commodity.
(2) A price list report may relate to more than one commodity.
(3) Every price list report shall specify—
(a) the reasons why the Commission consider it desirable that the order the subject of the report should be made;
(b) each kind of the commodity or commodities to which the proposed order should relate;
(c) the date on which the Commission recommend the proposed order should come into force and the duration of such order;
(d) the area to which the Commission recommend the proposed order should apply;
(e) the manner in which the Commission recommend that the proposed order should require the price list to be displayed.
Retail prices (display) orders.
42.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as a retail prices (display) order) requiring every person who carries on in any specified area the business of selling retail any specified kind or kinds (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks proper) of a specified commodity to display in the manner required by such order at any premises, vehicle, stall, booth or other stand where he carries on such business in such area a list stating the retail price of each such kind of such commodity.
(2) A retail prices (display) order may relate to more than one commodity.
(3) The Minister may by order under this sub-section revoke or amend a retail prices (display) order.
(4) Every retail prices (display) order under this section shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil as soon as may be after it is made and shall specify the date (which shall not be earlier than ten days after the date of publication thereof in the Iris Oifigiúil) on which such order is to come into force.
(5) The Minister shall not make a retail prices (display) order in relation to any kind of a commodity unless he has received a price list report in respect of such kind of such commodity, but in making such order the Minister shall not be bound by the terms or any of the terms of such report.
Offences in relation to retail prices (display) orders.
43.—If any person acts in contravention of or fails or neglects to comply with a retail prices (display) order for the time being in force, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding five pounds, and in the case of a second or any subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding ten pounds or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
PART VI.
Miscellaneous Provisions.
Returns by persons selling commodities.
44.—(1) The Commission may whenever and so often as they think fit publish in the Iris Oifigiúil a notice—
(a) stating their intention to keep under review during any period the prices charged in any area or areas on the sale under any set or sets of conditions (defined in such manner and by reference to, such things as they think proper) of any kind or kinds (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as they think proper) of a commodity, and
(b) requiring every person carrying on in such area or areas a business in which any such sales are made to send to the Commission at regular intervals during such period a return containing such particulars as to prices on such sales as shall be specified in such notice.
(2) Whenever the Commission publish a notice under this section, every person who fails to send to the Commission a return which he is required by such notice to send shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Publication by Commission of information in relation to prices.
45.—The Commission may publish, in such manner as they think fit, such information in relation to prices charged generally in Saorstát Eireann or in any particular area or areas on the sale under any particular set or sets of conditions of any kind or kinds of a commodity.
Statutory defences.
46.—(1) Where a person, being an employer or a principal, is charged with having committed an offence under section 27 (which relates to price orders) or section 30 (which relates to price (restriction on profits) orders) or section 40 (which relates to offences in relation to price certificates) of this Act, it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) that he used due diligence to prevent the commission of the acts alleged to constitute an offence; and
(b) that the acts alleged to constitute such offence were not done by him personally; and
(c) that the said acts were done without his consent, connivance or wilful default; and
(d) that on service of the summons on him he gave to the prosecutor all information in his power with respect to the person who did the said acts.
(2) Where a person, being a servant or employee, is charged with having committed an offence under section 27 (which relates to price orders) or section 30 (which relates to price (restriction on profits) orders) or section 40 (which relates to offences in relation to price certificates) of this Act, it shall be a good defence to such charge for such person to prove—
(a) that he was in the employment of another person (in this sub-section referred to as the employer); and
(b) that the acts alleged to constitute such offence were committed by him in the course of and for the purposes of such employment; and
(c) that the said acts were committed by him in obedience to the express orders of the employer; and
(d) that on service of the summons on him he gave all information in his power with respect to the matters mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs.
Effect of orders under Part III and certificates under Part IV on existing contracts.
47.—(1) Where a contract for the sale of any kind of a commodity which is the subject of a price order, a price (restriction on profits) order, or a price certificate has been entered into before the date on which such order or certificate comes into force and the whole or any part of such contract is to be performed after such date, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) nothing in Part III, or Part IV, of this Act shall affect such contract or any of the terms thereof;
(b) anything done under such contract shall, for the purposes of Part III, or Part IV, of this Act, but not further or otherwise, be deemed to have been done before such date.
(2) Where a tender to supply any kind of a commodity at certain prices during a certain period has been accepted before the date on which a price order, a price (restriction on profits) order or a price certificate relating to such kind of such commodity comes into force and the person making such tender is legally bound, subject to the terms of such tender, to supply such quantities of such kind of such commodity as may from time to time be ordered from him during the said period, every contract affected by an order for such kind of such commodity during the said period and after such date shall be deemed for the purposes of sub-section (1) of this section to have been entered into before such date.