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Number 33 of 1932.
CONTROL OF PRICES ACT, 1932.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General.
Section | |
Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. | |
Prices Commission and Controller of Prices.
Notice of investigations by the Commission and submissions by interested persons. | |
Retail and Wholesale Prices.
Investigations into retail and wholesale prices of scheduled commodities. | |
Overcharging for Commodities not the Subject of Price Orders.
Proceedings consequential on inspector's report and price certificates. | |
Display of Retail Price Lists in Retail Shops.
Recommendations as to the display of price lists in retail shops. | |
Manufacturer's Prices for Protected Commodities.
Reports to the Minister on manufacturer's price investigation. | |
Provisions Supplementary to Parts III, IV and VI.
Effect of orders under Parts III and VI and certificates under Part IV on existing contracts. |
Act Referred to | |
No. 19 of 1932 | |
Number 33 of 1932.
CONTROL OF PRICES ACT, 1932.
PART I.
Preliminary and General.
Short title.
1.—This Act may be cited as the Control of Prices Act, 1932.
Definitions.
2.—In this Act—
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Industry and Commerce ;
the expression “protected commodity” means a commodity which if imported into Saorstát Eireann would on importation be liable to a customs duty or a commodity the importation of which into Saorstát Eireann is prohibited or restricted by law ;
the word “specification” when used in relation to any commodity means such detailed particulars of such commodity as may be required for the identification of such commodity for the purpose of ascertaining the value thereof ;
the word “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Minister under this Act;
the word “inspector” means a person authorised in writing by the Minister to exercise the powers conferred by this Act on an inspector.
Scheduled commodities.
3.—(1) Each of the following commodities shall be a scheduled commodity for the purposes of this Act, that is to say:—
(a) the several commodities mentioned in the Schedule to this Act ;
(b) any other commodity which is by order of the Executive Council made under this section declared to be a scheduled commodity for the purposes of this Act.
(2) The Executive Council may by order under this section declare any commodity of common use to be a scheduled commodity for the purposes of this Act.
(3) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and if a resolution is passed by either such House within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which such House has sat after such order is laid before it annulling such order, such order shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under such order.
Construction of certain expressions.
4.—(1) References in this Act to the wholesale price charged or to be charged for a scheduled commodity shall be construed as references to the price at which such commodity is sold or is to be sold wholesale to a person engaged in the business of selling such commodity retail.
(2) In this Act the expression “sell or offer for sale wholesale” in relation to a scheduled commodity means sell or offer for sale wholesale to a person engaged in the business of selling such commodity retail, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly.
Prosecutions by the Minister.
5.—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.
General regulations.
6.—The Minister may by order 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 Houses of Oireachtas.
7.—Every order and regulation made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and if a resolution is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next subsequent twenty-one days on which that House has sat annulling such order or regulation, 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.
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 passing 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 five members (in this Act called ordinary members) of whom at least two shall be women and of whom one who may be a woman shall be a person representative of agricultural interests.
(3) The ordinary member who is required to be a person representative of agricultural interests shall be nominated by the Minister after consultation with the Minister for Agriculture and the other ordinary members shall be nominated by the Minister.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 such Chairman at such sitting.
Remuneration of Commission.
12.—Any member of the Commission may, if the Minister for Finance so directs, be paid such remuneration and allowances as the said Minister shall 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 passing 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 act as secretary to the Commission and shall discharge the other functions assigned to him by this Act.
(3) 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.
Staff of Commission.
16.—The Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may appoint such and so many persons as he shall consider necessaryto be officers of the Commission, and such persons shall hold office upon such terms and be remunerated at such rates and in such manner as the Minister for Finance shall direct.
Regulations for proceedings of the Commission.
17.—(1) The Commission shall make regulations for the governance of its 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 examination 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 its business.
(2) Regulations made under this section shall not have any force or effect unless and until they have been approved by the Minister.
Powers of Commission.
18.—(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.
19.—(1) Whenever the Commission are required by this Act to make an investigation, the Commission shall cause notice of the making of such investigation to be published in the Iris Oifigiúil and in such other manner as the Commission thinks suitable.
(2) On the publication of a notice under the foregoing 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.
20.—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.
21.—(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.
22.—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 each House of the Oireachtas.
Appointment of Commission to hold inquiries under section 17 of the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932.
23.—The Minister may appoint the Commission 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 whenever the Minister so appoints the Commission to hold any such inquiry, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Commission shall hold such inquiry;
(b) the provisions of this Part of this Act relating to the following matters, that is to say, regulations for proceedings of the Commission, powers of the Commission, notices of investigations by the Commission and submissions by interested persons, private sittings of the Commission, prohibition on disclosure of information and annual reports by the Commission, shall not apply in respect of such inquiry.
PART III.
Retail and Wholesale Prices.
Investigations into retail and wholesale prices of scheduled commodities.
24.—(1) Where the Minister sends a request to the Commission to investigate whether unreasonably high retail prices or unreasonably high wholesale prices (as may be specified in such request) are being charged throughout Saorstát Eireann or in any specified part thereof for any scheduled commodity which conforms to the specification set out in such request, the Commission shall as soon as may be make an investigation (in this Part of this Act referred to as a price investigation) into, in case such request relates to retail prices, the retail and wholesale prices charged for such commodity in the area specified in such request or, in case such request relates to wholesale prices, the wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area.
(2) Before sending under the immediately preceding sub-section a request to the Commission to make an investigation into the price (whether retail or wholesale) of butter the Minister shall first consult the Minister for Agriculture.
(3) Where any person (other than the Minister) sends a representation in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars representing that unreasonably high retail prices or unreasonably high wholesale prices (as may be specified in such representation) are being charged throughout Saorstát Eireann or in any specified part thereof for any scheduled commodity which conforms to the specification set out in such representation, the Commission shall, if and only if they are of opinion that an investigation should in the public interest be made, make subject to the provisions of the next following sub-section as soon as may be an investigation (in this Part of this Act also referred to as a price investigation) into, in case such representation relates to retail prices, the retail and wholesale prices charged for such commodity in the area specified in such representation or, in case such representation relates to wholesale prices, the wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area.
(4) Where a representation under the immediately preceding sub-section relates to the price (whether wholesale or retail) of butter, the Commission shall refer such representation to the Minister for Agriculture and shall not make any investigation into the subject matter of such representation except with the consent of the said Minister.
Proceedings consequential on price investigation.
25.—(1) Where after the completion of a price investigation the Commission are of opinion that the prices the subject of such investigation are not unreasonably high the Commission shall report accordingly to the Minister.
(2) Where, after the completion of a price investigation into the retail and wholesale prices charged for a commodity, the Commission are of opinion that unreasonably high retail prices are being charged for such commodity but that the wholesale prices charged for such commodity are not unreasonably high, the Commission shall give public notice, which shall not specify the names of the persons by whom such unreasonably high retail prices are being charged, in such manner as they think best suited for bringing to the notice of such persons such opinion and such notice shall state the price to which such prices should in the opinion of the Commission be reduced and require such reduction to be made within a time specified in such notice.
(3) Where, after the completion of a price investigation into the retail and wholesale prices charged for a commodity, the Commission are of opinion that both such prices are unreasonably high, the Commission shall give public notice, which shall not specify the names of the persons by whom such prices are being charged, in such manner as they think best suited for bringing to the notice of such persons such opinion and such notice shall state the prices to which such prices should in the opinion of the Commission be reduced respectively and require such reductions to be made within, a time specified in such notice.
(4) Where, after the completion of a price investigation into the retail and wholesale prices charged for a commodity, the Commission are of opinion that unreasonably high wholesale prices are being charged for such commodity but that the retail prices charged for such commodity are not unreasonably high or where, after the completion of a price investigation into the wholesale prices charged for a commodity, the Commission are of opinion that unreasonably high wholesale prices are being charged for such commodity the Commission shall give public notice, which shall not specify the names of the persons by whom such unreasonably high wholesale prices are being charged, in such manner as they think best suited for bringing to the notice of such persons such opinion and such notice shall state the price to which such prices should in the opinion of the Commission be reduced and require such reduction to be made within a time specified in such notice.
(5) If as a result of a notice under this section the reduction or respective reductions required by such notice is or are made within the time specified in such notice, the Commission shall report accordingly to the Minister.
(6) If notwithstanding a notice under this section any reduction required by such notice is not made within the time specified in such notice the Commission shall make a report to the Minister setting out—
(i) the reasons for their opinion that the prices or respective prices required by such notice to be reduced are unreasonably high,
(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 or respective prices to which such prices should be reduced and the reasons for such opinion,
(iv) their opinion as to the best methods of enforcing the reduction or respective reductions required by such notice,
(v) if in the opinion of the Commission an order or orders should be made by the Minister under the next following section, the area or respective areas to which such order or orders should apply.
(7) Every report made by the Commission under the immediately preceding sub-section shall be laid by the Minister before each House of the Oireachtas unless the Minister is of opinion that it is not desirable in the public interest so to do.
Price orders.
26.—(1) Where the Commission recommend in relation to any scheduled commodity that the Minister should make an order under this sub-section fixing a maximum retail price for such commodity, the Minister may, if he so thinks fit and subject to the provisions of this section, make an order (in this Act referred to as a price (retail) order) fixing as the maximum retail price for such commodity such price as he thinks fit.
(2) Where the Commission recommend in relation to any scheduled commodity that the Minister should make an order under this sub-section fixing a maximum wholesale price for such commodity, the Minister may, if he so thinks fit and subject to the provisions of this section, make an order (in this Act referred to as a price (wholesale) order) fixing as the maximum wholesale price for such commodity such price as he thinks fit.
(3) In this Act the expression “price order” shall be construed as equivalent to the expression “a price (retail) order or a price (wholesale) order.”
(4) Every price order shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil.
(5) Every price order shall specify the following things, that is to say:—
(a) the date (which shall not be earlier than the date of the publication of such order in the Iris Oifigiúil) on which such order is to come into force;
(b) the duration of such order ;
(c) the area to which such order is to apply.
(6) Before making a price order in relation to butter the Minister shall first consult the Minister for Agriculture.
Validity of price orders.
27.—The making of a price order shall be primâ facie evidence that such order was validly made in all respects.
Revocation and amendment of price orders.
28.—(1) The Minister may by order under this section revoke or amend a price order.
(2) Every order under this section shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil.
(3) Every order under this section shall specify the date (which shall not be earlier than the date of the publication of such order in the Iris Oifigiúil) on which such order is to come into force.
(4) Before making an order under this section revoking or amending a price order in relation to butter, the Minister shall first consult the Minister for Agriculture.
Application for amendment of price (retail) orders.
29.—Whenever a price (retail) order in relation to a particular commodity is in force and an application in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars is made to the Minister by a person carrying on in the area to which such order relates the business of selling retail such commodity to amend such order by increasing the maximum price specified in such order on the ground that the wholesale price of such commodity has increased since the making of such order, the Minister shall, unless he revokes or amends, in accordance with such application, such order, 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.
Offences in relation to price orders.
30.—(1) Whenever a price (retail) order is in force in relation to any scheduled commodity, it shall not be lawful for any person who carries on any business for trade or gain to sell or offer for sale retail in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such order applies any commodity to which such order applies at a price in excess of the maximum price fixed by such order.
(2) Whenever a price (wholesale) order is in force in relation to any scheduled commodity, it shall not be lawful for any person who carries on any business for trade or gain to sell or offer for sale wholesale in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such order applies any commodity to which such order applies at a price in excess of the maximum price fixed by such order.
(3) 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.
PART IV.
Overcharging for Commodities not the Subject of Price Orders.
Restriction on proceedings under Part IV.
31.—The Controller shall not do any act or thing or make a certificate under this Part of this Act in relation to the price (whether wholesale or retail) of butter except he is authorised in writing by the Minister for Agriculture to do such act or thing or make such certificate.
Statement of particulars of purchases.
32.—(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 a scheduled 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 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.
33.—(1) Any person may make in writing to the Controller a complaint (in this Part of this Act referred to as a complaint) alleging 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 or as part of such business at an unreasonably high price a scheduled commodity.
(2) Every complaint shall—
(a) state the name and address of the complainant;
(b) state the name and address of the person who is alleged to have sold or offered for sale the commodity to which the complaint relates;
(c) state the date of the alleged sale or offering for sale;
(d) state the nature of the alleged transaction (whether wholesale or retail);
(e) state the place where the transaction is alleged to have taken place;
(f) state the price alleged to have been charged or demanded for such commodity;
(g) contain a specification of such commodity.
(3) If any person makes in any complaint any statement which is false or misleading in any material respect, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Reference of complaints to inspectors for investigation.
34.—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 several matters alleged in such complaint would, if proved, constitute an offence under the provisions of this Act relating to offences in relation to price orders.
Investigation of complaints by inspectors.
35.—(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 investigations 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 he 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.
(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.
Proceedings consequential on inspector's report and price certificates.
36.—(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 but is also of opinion that it is desirable in the public interest that an investigation should be held by the Commission into, in case such complaint related to a retail price, the retail prices or, in case such complaint related to a wholesale price, the wholesale prices charged for the commodity to which such complaint relates in the area where the seller mentioned in such complaint carries on business, the Controller shall not take any steps under the next succeeding sub-section but shall refer the matter to the Commission who shall forthwith make an investigation into, in case such complaint related to a retail price, the retail and wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area (including the area where such seller carries on business) as the Commission thinks fit, or in case such complaint related to a wholesale price, the wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area (including the area where such seller carries on business) as the Commission thinks fit and such investigation shall be deemed to be a price investigation within the meaning of Part III of this Act, and the provisions of that Part relating to the following matters, that is to say, proceedings consequential on price investigation, price orders, validity of price orders, revocation and amendment of price orders, and offences in relation to price orders, shall apply accordingly.
(2) Subject to the provisions of the immediately preceding sub-section 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 following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Controller shall serve on the seller mentioned in such complaint a notice in the prescribed form—
(i) stating the nature of such complaint, and
(ii) stating that in the opinion of the Controller such complaint is well founded, and
(iii) in case such complaint relates to a sale or offering for sale retail, specifying the price which in the opinion of the Controller is a reasonable retail price for the commodity the retail price of which was the subject of such complaint, and
(iv) in case such complaint relates to a sale or offering for sale wholesale, specifying the price which in the opinion of the Controller is a reasonable wholesale price for the commodity the wholesale price of which was the subject of such complaint, and
(v) requiring such seller within ten days after the service of such notice to give to the Controller an undertaking in writing to charge in future a reasonable price for the commodity mentioned in such notice, and
(vi) if such complaint relates to a sale, requiring such seller within ten days after the service of such notice to pay to the complainant the difference between the price the subject of such complaint and the price specified in such notice as the reasonable price;
(b) if such seller complies with the requirements of such notice, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(i) the Controller shall take no further steps in relation to such complaint (in this paragraph referred to as the investigated complaint),
(ii) if another complaint is made in relation to a sale or offering for sale whether retail or wholesale by such seller on a date previous to the date to which the investigated complaint relates the Controller shall take no proceedings under this Part of this Act in relation to such other complaint;
(c) if such seller does not comply with the requirements of such notice and such complaint relates to a sale or offering for sale retail the Controller shall subject to the provisions of the next following sub-section do the following things, that is to say:—
(i) make a certificate (in this Part of this Act referred to as a price (retail) certificate) in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars certifying the price which, in the opinion of the Controller, is a reasonable retail price to be charged by persons selling such commodity,
(ii) serve a copy of such certificate on such seller,
(iii) publish a copy of such certificate in a newspaper or newspapers circulating in the district where the commodity the price of which was the subject of such complaint was sold or offered for sale;
(d) if such seller does not comply with the requirements of such notice and such complaint relates to a sale or offering for sale wholesale, the Controller shall subject to the provisions of the next following sub-section do the following things, that is to say:—
(i) make a certificate (in this Part of this Act referred to as a price (wholesale) certificate) in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed particulars certifying the price which, in the opinion of the Controller, is a reasonable wholesale price to be charged by persons selling such commodity,
(ii) serve a copy of such certificate on such seller,
(iii) publish a copy of such certificate in a newspaper or newspapers circulating in the district where the commodity the price of which was the subject of such complaint was sold or offered for sale.
(3) The Controller shall, before making, serving, or publishing a price (retail) certificate or a price (wholesale) certificate in relation to a commodity, serve on the seller to whom such certificate, if made, would relate a notice in the prescribed form stating his intention to make, serve, and publish such price certificate, and whenever any such notice is served on any person the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Controller shall not in any case make, serve or publish any such certificate in relation to such person until the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the service of such notice;
(b) if before the expiration of the said fourteen days, such person applies in the prescribed manner to the Commission to investigate, in case such certificate, if made, would relate to a retail price, the retail prices or, in case such certificate, if made, would relate to a wholesale price, the wholesale prices, charged for such commodity in the area where such person carries on business and states in such application the grounds on which it is based, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(i) the Commission shall forthwith hold a preliminary inquiry into such application, and
(ii) the Controller shall not, in any case make, serve, or publish such certificate until the Commission have concluded such inquiry, and
(iii) if, as the result of such inquiry, the Commission are satisfied that such application is bona fide made and that it is desirable in the public interest that such investigation should be made, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say, the Controller shall not make, serve, or publish such price certificate, and the Commission shall forthwith make an investigation into, in case such certificate, if made, would relate to a retail price, the retail and wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area (including the area where such person carries on business) as the Commission think fit, or in case such certificate, if made, would relate to a wholesale price, the wholesale prices charged for such commodity in such area (including the area where such person carries on business) as the Commission thinks fit, and such investigation shall be deemed to be a price investigation within the meaning of Part III of this Act, and the provisions of that Part relating to the following matters, that is to say, proceedings consequential on price investigation, price orders, validity of price orders, revocation and amendment of price orders, and offences in relation to price orders, shall apply accordingly, and
(iv) if, as the result of such inquiry, the Commission are not so satisfied, the Controller shall at the conclusion of such inquiry make, serve, and publish such price certificate.
(4) Every certificate under this section shall specify the period during which such certificate is to remain in force, and every such certificate shall, subject to the provisions of this section, remain in force for the period so specified.
(5) Every certificate under this section shall specify the following things, that is to say:—
(a) the date (which shall not be earlier than the date of publication thereof in pursuance of sub-section (1) of this section) on which such certificate is to come into force, and
(b) the area to which such certificate is to apply.
(6) No certificate under this section shall state the name of the seller upon whom such certificate is to be served.
(7) The Controller may and, if he is satisfied that the relevant wholesale price has substantially advanced since such certificate was made, shall revoke a certificate under this section and thereupon such certificate shall cease to be in force.
(8) Whenever a price (retail) order is made in relation to a commodity, every price (retail) certificate relating to such commodity which is in force in any place to which such order applies shall cease to be in force.
(9) Whenever a price (wholesale) order is made in relation to a commodity, every price (wholesale) certificate relating to such commodity which is in force in any place to which such order applies shall cease to be in force.
(10) Any notice or certificate required by this section to be served on any person may be served by delivering it to such person or by sending it by registered post to such person at the premises where he carries on business.
Offences in relation to price certificates.
37.—(1) Whenever a price (retail) certificate in force in relation to a scheduled commodity is duly served on any person who carries on any business by way of trade or gain, it shall not be lawful for such person to sell or offer for sale retail in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such certificate applies any commodity to which such certificate applies at a price in excess of the price certified in such certificate.
(2) Whenever a price (wholesale) certificate in force in relation to a scheduled commodity is duly served on any person who carries on any business by way of trade or gain, it shall not be lawful for such person to sell or offer for sale wholesale in the course or as part of such business at any place in the area to which such certificate applies any commodity to which such certificate applies at a price in excess of the price certified in such certificate.
(3) 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.
(4) In any proceeding for an offence under this section the production of a price (retail) certificate or a price (wholesale) 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.
(5) Proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituted by any person other than the Controller.
PART V.
Display of Retail Price Lists in Retail Shops.
Recommendations as to the display of price lists in retail shops.
38.—(1) The Commission may make a report (in this Part of this Act referred to as 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 scheduled commodity or commodities to display at the premises where such person carries on such business a list stating the retail price of such commodity or commodities.
(2) Every report under this section shall specify—
(a) the reasons why the Commission consider it desirable that the order the subject of the report should be made;
(b) a specification of every commodity 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 of every such commodity to be displayed.
Display of retail prices order.
39.—(1) Where the Commission make a price list report the Minister may, if he so thinks fit, make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as a display of retail prices order) requiring every person who carries on the business of selling retail, in any area to which such order relates, if the report relates to one scheduled commodity, such scheduled commodity, or, if the report relates to several scheduled commodities, such one or more of such scheduled commodities as the Minister thinks proper and specifies in such order, 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 every scheduled commodity to which such order applies.
(2) The Minister may by order under this sub-section revoke or amend a display of retail prices order.
(3) Every order under this section shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil and every such order 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.
(4) The making of a display of retail prices order shall be prima facie evidence that such order was validly made in all respects.
Offences in relation to display of retail prices order.
40.—If any person acts in contravention of or fails or neglects to comply with a display of retail prices 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.
Manufacturer's Prices for Protected Commodities.
Prices (manufacturer's) investigation.
41.—(1) The Minister may, subject to the provisions of the next following sub-section, from time to time send to the Commission a requisition requiring the Commission to investigate the prices charged for any protected commodity which conforms to the specification set out in such request by persons manufacturing or producing such commodity in Saorstát Eireann, and upon receipt of such request the Commission shall make an investigation (in this Part of this Act referred to as a manufacturer's price investigation) in accordance with such requisition.
(2) Before sending under the immediately preceding sub-section to the Commission a requisition to make an investigation into the price of butter, the Minister shall first consult the Minister for Agriculture.
(3) Subject to the provisions of the next following sub-section the Commission shall on its own motion, from time to time as the other business of the Commission permits, select from amongst protected commodities manufactured or produced in Saorstát Eireann a commodity, and make an investigation (in this Part of this Act also referred to as a manufacturer's price investigation) into the prices charged for such commodity, by manufacturers or producers thereof in Saorstát Eireann.
(4) The Commission shall not make an investigation under the immediately preceding sub-section into the price of butter except with the consent of the Minister for Agriculture.
Reports to the Minister on manufacturer's price investigation.
42.—(1) On the completion of a manufacturer's price investigation in relation to a protected commodity the Commission shall make a report (in this Part of this Act referred to as a manufacturer's price report) to the Minister setting out—
(a) a specification of such commodity;
(b) the movements of the prices of such commodity over a specified period;
(c) whether in the opinion of the Commission such prices are or are not unreasonably high, together with the reasons for such opinion;
(d) their opinion as to whether such prices are influenced by any agreement or combination for interfering with free competition;
(e) if the Commission are of opinion that such prices are unreasonably high—
(i) the opinion of the Commission as to what would be a reasonable price for such commodity,
(ii) their opinion as to the best methods of enforcing a reduction of such prices to a reasonable price,
(iii) if in their opinion a maximum price should be fixed by order of the Minister, under this Part of this Act, the area to which such order should apply,
(iv) in case such commodity is a commodity which if imported into Saorstát Eireann would on importation be liable to a customs duty, the price which, in the opinion of the Commission, an importer would give for such commodity 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,
(v) in case such commodity is a commodity the importation of which into Saorstát Eireann is prohibited or restricted by law, the price which, in the opinion of the Commission, an importer would give for such commodity, if the importation of such commodity were not so prohibited or restricted, and such commodity 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.
(2) Every manufacturer's price report shall be laid by the Minister before each House of the Oireachtas unless the Minister is of opinion that it is not desirable in the public interest so to do.
Manufacturer's price order.
43.—(1) On receipt of a manufacturer's price report in relation to a protected commodity the Minister may, if he so thinks fit and subject to the provisions of this section, make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as a manufacturer'sprice order) fixing as the maximum price for such commodity such price as he thinks proper.
(2) Every manufacturer's price order shall be published in the Iris Oifigiúil.
(3) Every manufacturer's price order shall specify the following things, that is to say:—
(a) the date (which shall not be earlier than the date of publication thereof in the Iris Oifigiúil) on which such order is to come into force;
(b) the duration of such order;
(c) the area to which such order is to apply.
(4) The Minister may by order revoke or amend a manufacturer's price order.
(5) Before making a manufacturer's price order in relation to butter or an order revoking or amending any such manufacturer's price order, the Minister shall first consult the Minister for Agriculture.
Validity of manufacturer's price order.
44.—The making of a manufacturer's price order shall be primâ facie evidence that such order was validly made in all respects.
Offences in relation to manufacturer's price orders.
45.—(1) Whenever a manufacturer's price order in relation to any protected commodity is in force, it shall not be lawful for any person who is a manufacturer or producer of that commodity in an area to which such order applies to sell any such commodity at a price in excess of the maximum price fixed by such order.
(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 ten pounds and, in the case of a second or any subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds or, at the discretion of the Court, to imprisonment for any term not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.
PART VII.
Provisions Supplementary to Parts III, IV and VI.
Statutory defences.
46.—(1) Where a person being an employer or a principal is charged with having committed an offence under the provisions of this Act relating to offences in relation to price orders or to offences in relation to manufacturer's price orders, 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 the provisions of this Act relating to offences in relation to price orders or to offences in relation to manufacturer's price orders 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 Parts III and VI and certificates under Part IV on existing contracts.
47.—(1) Where a contract for the sale of any commodity which is the subject of a price 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, Part IV, or Part VI 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, Part IV, or Part VI of this Act, but not further or otherwise, be deemed to have been done before such date.
(2) Where a tender to supply any commodity at certain prices during a certain period has been accepted before the date on which a price order or a price certificate relating to 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 commodity as may from time to time be ordered from him during the said period, every contract effected by an order for 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.
(3) In this section—
the expression “price order” means any order made by the Minister under either Part III or Part VI of this Act, and
the expression “price certificate” means any certificate made by the Controller under Part IV of this Act.
SCHEDULE.
Every commodity which is used as food or drink by man, other than drugs or water.
Every commodity which is used as clothing, material for clothing, or fuel.
Uimhir 33 de 1932.
ACHT CHUN PRAGHSANNA DO RIALÚ, 1932.
CUID I.
Roimhraiteach agus Generalta.
Gearr-theideal.
1.—Féadfar an tAcht chun Praghsanna do Rialú, 1932, do ghairm den Acht so.
Mínithe.
2.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “an tAire” an tAire Tionnscail agus Tráchtála;
cialluíonn an abairt “earra fé chosaint” carra do bheadh, dá n-iomportáltaí isteach i Saorstát Éireann í, ionchurtha fé dhiúité chustum ar í d'iomportáil no carra go ndeintear do réir dlí toirmeasc no srian do chur le hí d'iomportáil isteach i Saorstát Éireann;
nuair a húsáidtear an focal “áireamhacht” maidir le haon carra cialluíonn sé an mion-eolas san i dtaobh na hearra san is gá d'fhonn an earra san d'aithint chun a luach d'fháil amach;
cialluíonn an focal “orduithe” orduithe le rialacháin ar n-a ndéanamh ag an Aire fén Acht so;
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.
Earraí sceidealta.
3.—(1) Is earra sceidealta chun crícheanna an Achta so gach earra acu so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) na hearraí uile agus fé seach a luaidhtear sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht so;
(b) aon earra eile dearbhuítear, le hordú ar n-a dhéanamh ag an Ard-Chomhairle fén alt so, do bheith ina hearra sceidealta chun crícheanna an Achta so.
(2) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chomhairle, le hordú fén alt so, a dhearbhú aon earra a húsáidtear go coitianta do bheith ina hearra sceidealta chun crícheanna an Achta so.
(3) Gach ordú déanfar fén alt so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh acu san, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin tar éis an orduithe sin do leagadh fé n-a bhráid, rún do rith ag cur an orduithe sin ar nea-mbrí beidh an t-ordú san curtha ar nea-mbrí dá réir sin ach beidh san gan dochar do dhleathacht éinní do rinneadh roimhe sin fén ordú san.
Abairtí áirithe do léiriú.
4.—(1) Déanfar tagairtí san Acht so don phraghas mhór-dhíola atá á éileamh no le héileamh ar earra sceidealta do léiriú mar thagairtí don phraghas ar a bhfuil an earra san á díol no le díol ina mór-choda le duine bhíonn ag díol na hearra san ina mionchoda.
(2) San Acht so cialluíonn an abairt “earra sceidealta do dhíol no do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mór-choda” an earra san do dhíol ina mór-choda le duine no do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mór-choda le duine bhíonn ag díol na hearra san ina mionchoda, agus is dá réir sin a léireofar abairtí atá gaolmhar di.
Cúisimh ag an Aire.
5.—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.
Rialacháin ghenerálta.
6.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, 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 Tithe an Oireachtais.
7.—Gach ordú agus rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire fén Acht so leagfar é fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta, agus má dheineann ceachtar Tigh den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche shuidhfidh an Tigh sin ina dhiaidh sin, 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.
Costaisí.
8.—Sa mhéid go gceadóidh an tAire Airgid é, is amach as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas a híocfar gach costas a 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 an Achta so do rith 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 ar an gCoimisiún cúigear ball (dá ngairmtear gnáth-bhaill san Acht so) agus beidh ar an gcúigear san beirt bhan ar a laighead agus ní mór ball den chúigear san, fear no bean, do bheith ina dhuine ionaduíonn leasanna talmhaíochta.
(3) An gnáth-bhall nách mór do bheith ina dhuine ionaduíonn leasanna talmhaíochta isé an tAire, tar éis do dul i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta, ainmneoidh é agus isé an tAire ainmneoidh na gnáth-bhaill eile.
(4) Beidh gach gnáth-bhall, maran éag, eirghe as no teacht fé dhí-cháilíocht roimhe sin do, i seilbh oifige ar feadh pé tréimhse, nách sia ná cúig bliana, a shocróidh an tAire le linn é d'ainmniú ach beidh sé ion-ath-ainmnithe.
(5) 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.
(6) Pé uair a chífear don Aire ná beidh ar chumas gnáthbhaill 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 (nách sia ná faid an mhí-chumais sin) is oiriúnach leis agus gach duine ceapfar amhlaidh chun gníomhú mar ghnáth-bhall den Choimisiún beidh sé, ar feadh na tréimhse dá mbeidh sé ceaptha amhlaidh, ina ghnáth-bhall den Choimisiún in ionad an ghnáth-bhaill sin a céad-luaidhtear.
Baill bhreise den Choimisiún.
10.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire o am go ham, chun crícheanna aon fhiosrúcháin ar leith a bheidh le déanamh ag an gCoimisiún, pé daoine agus pé méid daoine (nách gnáth-bhaill) is oiriúnach leis do cheapadh chun gníomhú mar bhaill bhreise den Choimisiún.
(2) Gach ball breisc ceapfar amhlaidh beidh sé ina bhall den Choimisiún chun crícheanna an fhiosrúcháin dá gceapfar é.
Cathaoirleach an Choimisiúin.
11.—(1) Ceapfaidh an tAire duine de sna gnáth-bhaill chun bheith mar 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 den tsórt san ag an suidhe sin.
Luach saothair an Choimisiúin.
12.—Féadfar, má orduíonn an tAire Airgid amhlaidh, pé luach saothair agus liúntaisí ar a gcinnfidh an tAire sin 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 dho san do dhéanamh, ní gníomhóidh 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 an Achta so do rith 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) Gníomhóidh an Rialuitheoir mar rúnaí don Choimisiún agus feidhmeoidh na feidhmeanna eile ceaptar do leis an Acht so.
(3) Beidh an Rialuitheoir i seilbh oifige ar pé téarmaí agus bhéarfar luach saothair do do réir pé rátaí agus ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
Fuireann an Choimisiúin.
16.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le toiliú an Aire Airgid, pé daoine agus pé méid daoine is gá dar leis do cheapadh chun bheith ina n-oifigigh don Choimisiún, agus beidh na daoine sin i seilbh oifige ar pé téarmaí agus bhéarfar luach saothair dóibh do réir pé rátaí agus ar pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgid.
Rialacháin i gcóir imeachta an Choimisiúin.
17.—(1) Déanfaidh an Coimisiún rialacháin chun a n-imeachta do rialú agus féadfaid, leis na rialacháin sin, socrú do dhéanamh i gcóir gach ní no éinní acu so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an quorum ag aon suidhe den Choimisiún;
(b) amanta 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 tabharfar 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 riachtanach 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.
Comhachta an Choimisiúin.
18.—(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 triail aicsin, agus beidh gairm ar n-a sighniú ag duine no níos mó de bhaill an Choimisiúin ar aon dul agus ar aon éifeacht le próiseas fuirmeálta a thabharfadh 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 do 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 'na bhféadfaidh an Coimisiún a cheangal air do réir dlí í d'fhreagairt, no
(c) éinní eile do dhéanamh ba dhísbeagadh cúirte dá mba Chúirt Bhreithiúnais an Coimisiún agus comhacht aige chun daoine do chur i bpríosún mar gheall ar dhísbeagadh cúirte,
féadfaidh an Coimisiún cionta an duine sin do dheimhniú fé n-a lámhaibh don Ard-Chúirt agus féadfaidh an Chúirt sin, tar éis pé fiosrú 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 bhfuil leas fé bhráid an Choimisiúin.
19.—(1) Pé uair is gá don Choimisiún do réir an Achta so fiosrúchán do dhéanamh 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 fho-alt san 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.
20.—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.
21.—(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 eolais d'fháil a bronntar ar an gCoimisiún no ar chigire leis an Acht so do nochtadh d'éinne scachas 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 eolas a gheobha sé tré bheith i láthair ag an suidhe sin agus is colas ná fuil ar fáil ach amháin de bhuadh na gcomhacht chun eolais d'fháil a bronntar ar an gCoimisiún no ar chigire fén 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 púnt 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 i bhfo-alt (1) den alt so le haon colas do nochtadh—
(a) don Aire i dtuarasgabháil (nách 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.
22.—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 gach Tighe den Oireachtas.
An Coimisiún do cheapadh chun fiosrú do dhéanamh fé alt 17 d'Acht na dTithe (Forálacha Airgid agus Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha), 1932.
23.—Féadfaidh an tAire an Coimisiún do cheapadh chun fiosruithe phuiblí do dhéanamh chun crícheanna ailt 17 d'Acht na dTithe (Forálacha Airgid agus Forálacha Ilghnéitheacha). 1932 (Uimh. 19 de 1932), agus pé uair a cheapfaidh an tAire an Coimisiún amhlaidh chun aon fhiosruithe den tsórt san do dhéanamh beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) déanfaidh an Coimisiún an fiosrú san:
(b) ní bheidh feidhm, maidir leis an bhfiosrú san, ag na forálacha den Chuid seo den Acht so bhaineann leis na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá, rialacháin i gcóir imeachta an Choimisiúin, comhachta an Choimisiúin, fógraí i dtaobh fiosrúchán a dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún agus nithe chuirfidh daoine ag á bhfuil leas fé bhráid an Choimisiúin, suidheanna príobháideacha den Choimisiún, toirmeasc ar eolas do nochtadh agus tuarasgabhála bliantúla ón gCoimisiún.
CUID III.
Praghsanna Mion-Diola agus Mor-Dhiola.
Fiosrúcháin i dtaobh praghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola earraí sceidealta.
24.—(1) Má chuireann an tAire iarratas chun an Choimisiúin chun a fhiosrú an bhfuil praghsanna mion-díola no praghsanna mór-dhíola (do réir mar a bheidh luaidhte san iarratas san) atá ró-árd á n-éileamh ar fuaid Shaorstáit Éireann no in aon chuid áirithe dhe ar aon carra sceidealta atá do réir na háireamhachta leagtar amach san iarratas san, déanfaidh an Coimisiún fiosrúchán (dá ngairmtear fiosrúchán praghais sa Chuid seo den Acht so), chó luath agus is féidir é, i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san sa líomatáiste luaidhtear san iarratas san i gcás an iarratais sin do bhaint le praghsanna mion-díola no i dtaobh na bpraghas mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an carra san sa líomatáiste sin i gcás an iarratais sin do bhaint le praghsanna mór-dhíola.
(2) Sara ndeinidh an tAire, fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, iarratas do chur chun an Choimisiúin á iarraidh ortha fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh praghais ime (pe'ca praghas mion-díola no praghas mór-dhíola é) raghaidh i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta ar dtúis.
(3) Má chuireann éinne (seachas an tAire) scéala uaidh sa bhfuirm orduithe, agus an t-eolas orduithe ann, á rá go bhfuil praghsanna mion-díola no praghsanna mór-dhíola (do réir mar a bheidh luaidhte sa scéala san) atá ró-árd á n-éileamh ar fuaid Shaorstáit Éireann no in aon chuid áirithe dhe ar aon earra sceidealta atá do réir na háireamhachta leagtar amach sa scéala san, déanfaidh an Coimisiún, má sé a dtuairim gur cheart ar mhaithe leis an bpuiblíocht fiosrúchán do dhéanamh agus sa chás san amháin, déanfaid, fé réir forálacha an chéad fho-ailt ina dhiaidh seo, fiosrúchán (dá ngairmtear fiosrúchán praghais freisin sa Chuid seo den Acht so), chó luath agus is féidir é, i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san sa líomatáiste luaidhtear sa scéala san i gcás an scéala san do bhaint le praghsanna mion-díola no i dtaobh na bpraghas mórdhíola a héilítear ar an earra san sa líomatáiste sin i gcás an scéala san do bhaint le praghsanna mór-dhíola.
(4) Más le praghas ime (pe'ca praghas mion-díola no praghas mór-dhíola é) a bhainfidh scéala fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo cuirfidh an Coimisiún an scéala san fé bhráid an Aire Talmhaíochta agus ní dhéanfaid aon fhiosrúchán i dtaobh abhair an scéala san ach amháin le toiliú an Aire sin.
Imeachta de dhruim fiosrúcháin phraghais.
25.—(1) Má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin, tar éis dóibh fiosrúchán praghais do chríochnú, ná fuil na praghsanna dob abhar don fhiosrúchán san ró-árd bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil dá réir sin don Aire.
(2) Má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin, tar éis dóibh fiosrúchán praghais i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar earra do chríochnú, go bhfuil praghsanna miondíola atá ró-árd á n-éileamh ar an earra san ach ná fuil na praghsanna mór-dhíola atá á n-éileamh ar an earra san ró-árd, bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún fógra puiblí, ach ní luadhfar ann ainmneacha na ndaoine atá ag éileamh na bpraghas mion-díola san atá ró-árd, sa tslí is oiriúnaighe dar leo chun na tuairme sin do chur in úil do sna daoine sin agus luadhfar sa bhfógra san an praghas chun ar cheart na praghsanna san do laigheadú, dar leis an gCoimisiún, agus cuirfear mar cheangal leis an bhfógra san an laigheadú san do dhéanamh laistigh d'am a luadhfar ann.
(3) Má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin, tar éis dóibh fiosrúchán praghais i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar earra do chríochnú, go bhfuil an dá phraghas san ró-árd bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún fógra puiblí, ach ní luadhfar ann ainmneacha na ndaoine atá ag éileamh na bpraghas san, sa tslí is oiriúnaighe dar leo chun na tuairme sin do chur in úil do sna daoine sin agus luadhfar sa bhfógra san na praghsanna chun ar cheart na praghsanna san do laigheadú fé seach, dar leis an gCoimisiún, agus cuirfear mar cheangal leis an bhfógra san na laigheaduithe sin do dhéanamh laistigh d'am a luadhfar ann.
(4) Má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin, tar éis dóibh fiosrúchán praghais i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar earra do chríochnú, go bhfuil praghsanna mór-dhíola atá ró-árd á n-éileamh ar an earra san ach ná fuil na praghsanna mion-díola atá á n-éileamh ar an earra san ró-árd, no má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin, tar éis dóibh fiosrúchán praghais i dtaobh na bpraghas mór-dhíola a héilítear ar earra do chríochnú, go bhfuil praghsanna mór-dhíola atá ró-árd á n-éileamh ar an earra san, bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún fógra puiblí, ach ní luadhfar ann ainmneacha na ndaoine atá ag éileamh na bpraghas mórdhíola san atá ró-árd, sa tslí is oiriúnaighe dar leo chun na tuairme sin do chur in úil do sna daoine sin agus luadhfar sa bhfógra san an praghas chun ar cheart na praghasnna san do laigheadú, dar leis an gCoimisiún, agus cuirfear mar cheangal leis an bhfógra san an laigheadú san do dhéanamh laistigh d'am a luadhfar ann.
(5) Más rud é, de bharr fógra fén alt so, go ndéanfar, laistigh den am a luaidhtear sa bhfógra san, an laigheadú no na laigheaduithe fé seach a cuirtear mar cheangal leis an bhfógra san, bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil dá réir sin don Aire.
(6) Más rud é, d'ainneoin fógra fén alt so, ná déanfar, laistigh den am a luaidhtear sa bhfógra san, aon laigheadú a cuirtear mar cheangal leis an bhfógra san, bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil don Aire ina luadhfar—
(i) na fáthanna atá le n-a dtuairim i dtaobh na bpraghas no na bpraghas fé seach, is gá do réir an fhógra san do laigheadú, do bheith ró-árd,
(ii) an é a dtuairim go bhfuil aon bhaint leis na praghsanna san ag aon chó-aontú no cur-le-chéile chun cur isteach ar iomaíocht thrádála,
(iii) a dtuairim maidir leis an bpraghas no leis na praghsanna fé seach chun ar cheart na praghsanna san do laigheadú agus fáthanna na tuairime sin,
(iv) a dtuairim maidir leis na slite is fearr chun an laigheaduithe no na laigheadú fé seach, is gá do réir an fhógra san, do chur i bhfeidhm,
(v) má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin gur cheart don Aire ordú no orduithe do dhéanamh fén gcéad alt ina dhiaidh seo, an líomatáiste no na líomatáistí fé seach le n-ar cheart baint do bheith ag an ordú no ag na horduithe sin.
(7) Gach tuarasgabháil a bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún uatha fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo leagfaidh an tAire fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas í marab é tuairim an Aire ná raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta san do dhéanamh.
Orduithe praghais.
26.—(1) Má mholann an Coimisiún, maidir le haon earra sceidealta, gur cheart don Aire ordú do dhéanamh fén bhfo-alt so ag socrú praghais mhaximum mhion-díola don earra san, féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é agus fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, ordú (dá ngairmtear ordú praghais (mion-díol) san Acht so) do dhéanamh ag socrú pé praghais is oiriúnach leis mar praghas mhaximum mhion-díola don earra san.
(2) Má mholann an Coimisiún, maidir le haon earra sceidealta, gur cheart don Aire ordú do dhéanamh fén bhfo-alt so ag socrú praghais mhaximum mhór-dhíola don earra san, féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é agus fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, ordú (dá ngairmtear ordú praghais (mór-dhíol) san Acht so) do dhéanamh ag socrú pé praghais is oiriúnach leis mar phraghas mhaximum mhór-dhíola don earra san.
(3) San Acht so déanfar an abairt “ordú praghais” do léiriú mar abairt is có-ionann leis an abairt “ordú praghais (miondíol) no ordú praghais (mór-dhíol).”
(4) Déanfar gach ordú praghais d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil.
(5) Luadhfar i ngach ordú praghais na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an dáta (ná beidh níos luaithe ná dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil) ar a mbeidh an t-ordú san le teacht i bhfeidhm;
(b) ré an orduithe sin;
(c) an líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an t-ordú san.
(6) Sara ndeinidh an tAire ordú praghais i dtaobh ime raghaidh i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta ar dtúis.
Dleathacht ordú praghais.
27.—Má deintear ordú praghais beidh a dhéanamh ina fhianaise prima facie ar an ordú san do bheith déanta go dleathach ar gach slí.
Orduithe praghais do cheiliúradh agus do leasú.
28.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú fén alt so, ordú praghais do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(2) Déanfar gach ordú fén alt so d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil.
(3) Luadhfar i ngach ordú fén alt so an dáta (ná beidh níos luaithe ná dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil) ar a mbeidh an t-ordú san le teacht i bhfeidhm.
(4) Sara ndeinidh an tAire ordú fén alt so, ag ceiliúradh no ag leasú ordú praghais i dtaobh ime, raghaidh i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta ar dtúis.
Iarratas ar orduithe praghais (miondíol) do leasú.
29.—Pé uair a bheidh ordú praghais (mion-díol) i dtaobh earra áirithe i bhfeidhm agus a dhéanfaidh duine bhíonn ag díol na hearra san ina mion-choda sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san iarratas sa bhfuirm orduithe agus na mion-innste orduithe ann do chur chun an Aire á iarraidh air an t-ordú san do leasú tríd an bpraghas maximum a luaidhtear san ordú san do mhéadú de bhithin praghais mhór-dhíola na hearra san do bheith imithe i méid o rinneadh an t-ordú san déanfaidh an tAire, mara gceiliúraidh no mara leasuighidh an t-ordú san 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 bhéarfaidh tuarasgabháil ar a thoradh san don Aire, chó luath agus is féidir é.
Ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghais.
30.—(1) Pé uair a bheidh ordú praghais (mion-díol) i bhfeidhm i dtaobh aon earra sceidealta, ní bheidh sé dleathach do dhuine ar bith go mbíonn aon ghnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige aon earra le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san do dhíol ina mion-choda ná do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mion-choda i gcúrsa an ghnótha san ná mar chuid den ghnó san, ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas maximum a bheidh socair leis an ordú san, in aon áit sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san.
(2) Pé uair a bheidh ordú praghais (mór-dhíol) i bhfeidhm i dtaobh aon earra sceidealta, ní bheidh sé dleathach do dhuine ar bith go mbíonn aon ghnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige aon earra le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san do dhíol ina mór-choda ná do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mórchoda i gcúrsa an ghnótha san ná mar chuid den ghnó san, ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas maximum a bheidh socair leis an ordú san, in aon áit sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san.
(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 cúig púint do chur air, má sé an chéad chionta aige é, agus má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
CUID IV.
An Iomarca D'Eileamh ar Earrai na Baineann Orduithe Praghais Leo.
Srian le himeachta fé Chuid IV.
31.—Ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir ní ná rud ar bith ná ní dhéanfaidh deimhniú amach fén gCuid seo den Acht so maidir le praghas ime (pe'ca praghas mór-dhíola no praghas mion-díola é) mara n-údaruighidh an tAire Talmhaíochta dho i scríbhinn an ní no an rud san do dhéanamh no an deimhniú san do dhéanamh amach.
Mion-innste ar earraí ceannófar.
32.—(1) Má dheineann duine go mbíonn gnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige earra sceidealta, 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 na hearra san, sé sin le rá:—
(a) tuairisc ar an earra;
(b) más do réir meáchainte no tuise do díoladh an earra, a meáchaint no a tuise ghlan, do réir mar 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 thugann sé faillí no má dheineann sé diúltadh maidir le 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 phúnt do chur air.
Gearáin i dtaobh an iomarca d'éileamh.
33.—(1) Féadfaidh éinne gearán (dá ngairmtear gearán sa Chuid seo den Acht so) do dhéanamh i scríbhinn leis an Rialuitheoir a rá go ndearna duine go mbíonn gnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige earra sceidealta do dhíol leis no do thairiscint chun a díolta leis ar phraghas ró-árd i gcúrsa an ghnótha san no mar chuid den ghnó san.
(2) Cuirfear i ngach gearán—
(a) ainm agus seoladh an ghearánaí;
(b) ainm agus seoladh an duine adeirtear a dhíol no a thairg chun a díolta an earra le n-a mbaineann an gearán;
(c) dáta an díola no na tairiscinte chun díolta adeirtear a rinneadh;
(d) saghas an ghnótha (pe'ca mór-dhíol no mion-díol é) adeirtear a rinneadh;
(e) an áit adeirtear a rinneadh an gnó;
(f) an praghas adeirtear do héilíodh no do hiarradh ar an earra san;
(g) áireamhacht ar an earra san.
(3) Má chuireann éinne in aon ghearán aon ráiteas a bheidh bréagach no mí-threorach in aon phone táchtach, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint do chur air.
Gearáin do chur fé bhráid chigirí chun fiosrúcháin do dhéanamh ina dtaobh.
34.—Ar fháil gearáin don Rialuitheoir cuirfe sé an gearán san fé bhráid chigire chun fiosrúcháin 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 mbeadh na nithe uile agus fé seach adeirtear sa ghearán san, go mbeidís, dá gcruthuítí iad, ina gcionta fé sna forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le ciontaí i dtaobh ordú praghais.
Cigirí do dhéanamh fiosrúcháin i dtaobh gearán.
35.—(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 bhéarfaidh tuarasgabháil ar 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 bhfiosrúchán san colas i dtaobh an ghearáin do thabhairt do, pé eolas 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 eolas i dtaobh an ghearáin do thabhairt do; pé eolas a theastóidh uaidh do réir réasúin agus atá ag an díoltóir sin no atá ar chumas an díoltóra san d'fháil gan dul fé chostas nea-réasúnta.
(3) Má dhiúltann duine ar bith no má thugann sé faillí maidir le haon eolas do thabhairt do chigire éileoidh sé do réir dlí 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.
Imeachta de dhruim tuarasgabhála cigire, agus deimhnithe praghais.
36.—(1) Má bheireann cigire tuarasgabháil don Rialuitheoir maidir le gearán do cuireadh fé n-a bhráid chun fiosrúcháin do dhéanamh ina thaobh agus má sé tuairim an Rialuitheora, tar éis na tuarasgabhála san do bhreithniú, go bhfuil cúis mhaith leis an ngearán san, agus má sé a thuairim, freisin, go raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta an Coimisiún do dhéanamh fiosrúcháin, i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le praghas mion-díola, i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola no, i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le praghas mór-dhíola, i dtaobh na bpraghas mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra le n-a mbaineann an gearán san sa líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an díoltóir a luaidhtear sa ghearán san, ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir rud ar bith fén gcéad fho-alt ina dhiaidh seo ach cuirfidh an scéal fé bhráid an Choimisiúin agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún láithreach, i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le praghas mion-díola, fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san i pé líomatáiste (le n-a n-áirmhítear an líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an díoltóir sin) is oiriúnach leis an gCoimisiún no, i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le praghas mór-dhíola, fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san i pé líomatáiste (le n-a n-áirmhítear an líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an díoltóir sin) is oiriúnach leis an gCoimisiún, agus tuigfear gur fiosrúchán praghais do réir bhrí Choda III den Acht so an fiosrúchán san, agus na forálacha den Chuid sin a bhaineann leis na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá, imeachta de dhruim fiosrúcháin phraghais, orduithe praghais, dleathacht ordú praghais, orduithe praghais do cheiliúradh agus do leasú, agus ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghais, beidh feidhm acu dá réir sin.
(2) Fé réir forálacha an fho-ailt deiridh sin roimhe seo, má bheireann cigire tuarasgabháil don Rialuitheoir maidir le gearán a cuireadh fé n-a bhráid chun fiosrúcháin do dhéanamh ina thaobh agus má sé tuairim an Rialuitheora, tar éis na tuarasgabhála san do bhreithniú, go bhfuil cúis mhaith leis an ngearán san, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) seirbheálfaidh an Rialuitheoir ar an díoltóir a luaidhtear sa ghearán san fógra sa bhfuirm orduithe—
(i) ina luadhfar cad é saghas an ghearáin, agus
(ii) ina luadhfar gurb é tuairim an Rialuitheora go bhfuil cúis mhaith leis an ngearán san, agus
(iii) i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le díol no le tairiscint chun díolta i mion-choda, ina luadhfar an praghas is praghas mion-díola réasúnta dar leis an Rialuitheoir ar an earra gurb é a praghas mion-díola dob abhar don ghearán san, agus
(iv) i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le díol no le tairiscint chun díolta i mór-choda, ina luadhfar an praghas is praghas mór-dhíola réasúnta dar leis an Rialuitheoir ar an earra gurb é a praghas mór-dhíola dob abhar don ghearán san, agus
(v) á cheangal ar an díoltóir sin a gheallúint don Rialuitheoir i scríbhinn, laistigh de dheich lá tar éis an fhógra san do sheirbheáil, praghas réasúnta d'éileamh feasta ar an earra luaidhtear sa bhfógra san, agus
(vi) i gcás an ghearáin sin do bhaint le díol, á cheangal ar an díoltóir sin an deifríocht idir an praghas dob abhar don ghearán san agus an praghas a luaidhtear sa bhfógra san mar phraghas réasúnta d'íoc leis an ngearánaí laistigh de dheich lá tar éis an fhógra san do sheirbheáil;
(b) má dheineann an díoltóir sin do réir a n-éilítear leis an bhfógra san, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(i) ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir a thuilleadh i dtaobh an ghearáin sin (dá ngairmtear sa mhír seo an gearán do fiosruíodh),
(ii) má deintear gearán eile maidir le díol no le tairiscint chun díolta, pe'ca mion-díol no mór-dhíol é, do rinne an díoltóir sin ar dháta roimh an dáta le n-a mbaineann an gearán do fiosruíodh ní bhunóidh an Rialuitheoir aon imeachta fén gCuid seo den Acht so maidir leis an ngearán eile sin;
(c) mara ndeinidh an díoltóir sin do réir a n-éilítear leis an bhfógra san agus más le díol no le tairiscint chun díolta i mion-choda bhaineann an gearán san, déanfaidh an Rialuitheoir, fé réir forálacha an chéad fho-ailt ina dhiaidh seo, na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(i) déanfaidh deimhniú amach (dá ngairmtear deimhniú praghais (mion-díol) sa Chuid seo den Acht so) sa bhfuirm orduithe agus na mion-innste orduithe ann ag deimhniú an phraghais is praghas mion-díola réasúnta, dar leis an Rialuitheoir, le héileamh ag daoine dhíolann an earra san,
(ii) seirbheálfaidh cóip den deimhniú san ar an díoltóir sin,
(iii) foillseoidh cóip den deimhniú san i bpáipéar no i bpáipéirí nuachta léightear sa cheanntar inar díoladh no inar tairgeadh chun a díolta an earra gurb é a praghas dob abhar don ghearán san;
(d) mara ndeinidh an díoltóir sin do réir a n-éilítear leis an bhfógra san agus más le díol no le tairiscint chun díolta i mór-choda bhaineann an gearán san, déanfaidh an Rialuitheoir, fé réir forálacha an chéad fho-ailt ina dhiaidh seo, na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(i) déanfaidh deimhniú amach (dá ngairmtear deimhniú praghais (mór-dhíol) sa Chuid seo den Acht so) sa bhfuirm orduithe agus na mioninnste orduithe ann ag deimhniú an phraghais is praghas mór-dhíola réasúnta, dar leis an Rialuitheoir, le héileamh ag daoine dhíolann an earra san,
(ii) seirbheálfaidh cóip den deimhniú san ar an díoltóir sin,
(iii) foillseoidh cóip den deimhniú san i bpáipéar no i bpáipéirí nuachta léightear sa cheanntar inar díoladh no inar tairgeadh chun a díolta an earra gurb é a praghas dob abhar don ghearán san.
(3) Déanfaidh an Rialuitheoir, roimh dheimhniú praghais (mion-díol) no deimhniú praghais (mór-dhíol) i dtaobh earra do dhéanamh amach, do sheirbheáil, no d'fhoillsiú, fógra sa bhfuirm orduithe do sheirbheáil ar an díoltóir le n-a mbainfeadh an deimhniú san dá ndeintí é, á rá go bhfuil ar aigne aige an deimhniú praghais sin do dhéanamh amach, do sheirbheáil agus d'fhoillsiú, agus pé uair a seirbheálfar aon fhógra den tsórt san ar éinne beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir amach ná ní sheirbheálfaidh ná ní fhoillseoidh aon deimhniú den tsórt san maidir leis an duine sin in aon chás go dtí go mbeidh ceithre lá déag caithte o dháta seirbheálta an fhógra san;
(b) má dheineann an duine sin, sara mbeidh na ceithre lá déag san caithte, a iarraidh sa tslí orduithe ar an gCoimisiún, i gcás an deimhnithe sin, dá ndeintí é, do bhaint le praghas mion-díola, fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola no, i gcás an deimhnithe sin, dá ndeintí é, do bhaint le praghas mór-dhíola, fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san sa líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an duine sin agus má luadhann sé san iarratas san cad is foras do, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(i) déanfaidh an Coimisiún roimh-fhiosrú láithreach i dtaobh an iarratais sin, agus
(ii) ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir amach ná ní sheirbheálfaidh ná ní fhoillseoidh an deimhniú san in aon chás go dtí go mbeidh an fiosrú san críochnuithe ag an gCoimisiún, agus
(iii) más deimhin leis an gCoimisiún, de bharr an fhiosruithe sin, gur go bona fide do rinneadh an t-iarratas san agus go raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta an fiosrúchán san do dhéanamh, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá, ní dhéanfaidh an Rialuitheoir amach ná ní sheirbheálfaidh ná ní fhoillseoidh an deimhniú praghais sin, agus déanfaidh an Coimisiún láithreach, i gcás an deimhnithe sin, dá ndeintí é, do bhaint le praghas mion-díola, fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas mion-díola agus mór-dhíola a héilítear ar an earra san i pé líomatáiste (le n-a n-áirmhítear an líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an duine sin) is oiriúnach leis an gCoimisiún no, i gcás an deimhnithe sin, dá ndeintí é, do bhaint le praghas mór-dhíola, fiosrúchán i dtaobh na bpraghas mórdhíola a héilítear ar an earra san i pé líomatáiste (le n-a n-áirmhítear an líomatáiste ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl ag an duine sin) is oiriúnach leis an gCoimisiún, agus tuigfear gur fiosrúchán praghais do réir bhrí Choda III den Acht so an fiosrúchán san, agus na forálacha den Chuid sin a bhaineann leis na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá, imeachta de dhruim fiosrúcháin phraghais, orduithe praghais, dleathacht ordú praghais, orduithe praghais do cheiliúradh agus do leasú, agus ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghais, beidh feidhm aca dá réir sin, agus
(iv) maran deimhin amhlaidh leis an gCoimisiún, de bharr an fhiosruithe sin, déanfaidh an Rialuitheoir amach agus seirbheálfaidh agus foillseoidh an deimhniú praghais sin ar an bhfiosrú san do bheith críochnuithe.
(4) Luadhfar i ngach deimhniú fén alt so an tréimhse gur ar a feadh a bheidh an deimhniú san le leanúint i bhfeidhm, agus, fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, leanfaidh gach deimhniú den tsórt san i bhfeidhm ar feadh na tréimhse luadhfar amhlaidh.
(5) Luadhfar i ngach deimhniú fén alt so na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an dáta (ná beidh níos luaithe ná dáta foillsithe an deimhnithe sin do réir fho-ailt (1) den alt so) ar a mbeidh an deimhniú san le teacht i bhfeidhm, agus
(b) an líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an deimhniú san.
(6) Ní luadhfar in aon deimhniú fén alt so ainm an díoltóra ar a mbeidh an deimhniú san le seirbheáil.
(7) Féadfaidh an Rialuitheoir agus, más deimhin leis an praghas mór-dhíola bhaineann leis an gcás do bheith imithe i méid go mór o rinneadh an deimhniú san, déanfaidh deimhniú fén alt so do cheiliúradh agus leis sin scuirfidh an deimhniú san de bheith i bhfeidhm.
(8) Pé uair a déanfar ordú praghais (mion-díol) i dtaobh earra, ansan, gach deimhniú praghais (mion-díol) maidir leis an earra san a bheidh i bhfeidhm in aon áit le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san scuirfe sé de bheith i bhfeidhm.
(9) Pé uair a déanfar ordú praghais (mór-dhíol) i dtaobh earra, ansan, gach deimhniú praghais (mór-dhíol) maidir leis an earra san a bheidh i bhfeidhm in aon áit le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san scuirfe sé de bheith i bhfeidhm.
(10) Aon fhógra no deimhniú is gá do réir an ailt seo do sheirbheáil ar dhuine ar bith, féadfar é do sheirbheáil tré n-a sheachadadh don duine sin san áitreabh ina mbíonn gnó ar siúl aige no tré n-a chur tríd an bpost cláruithe chun an duine sin fé sheoladh an áitreibh sin.
Ciontaí maidir le deimhnithe praghais.
37.—(1) Pé uair a déanfar deimhniú praghais (mion-díol) a bheidh i bhfeidhm i dtaobh earra sceidealta do sheirbheáil go cuibhe ar dhuine ar bith go mbíonn aon ghnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige, ní bheidh sé dleathach don duine sin aon earra le n-a mbaineann an deimhniú san do dhíol ina mion-choda ná do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mion-choda i gcúrsa an ghnótha san ná mar chuid den ghnó san, ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas a deimhnítear sa deimhniú san, in aon áit sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an deimhniú san.
(2) Pé uair a déanfar deimhniú praghais (mór-dhíol) a bheidh i bhfeidhm i dtaobh earra sceidealta do sheirbheáil go cuibhe ar dhuine ar bith go mbíonn aon ghnó i bhfuirm trádála no chun sochair d'fháil as ar siúl aige, ní bheidh sé dleathach don duine sin aon earra le n-a mbaineann an deimhniú san do dhíol ina mór-choda ná do thairiscint chun a díolta ina mór-choda i gcúrsa an ghnótha san ná mar chuid den ghnó san, ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas a deimhnítear sa deimhniú san, in aon áit sa líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an deimhniú san.
(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 cúig púint do chur air, má sé an chéad chionta aige é, agus, má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
(4) Má deintear, in aon imeachta mar gheall ar chionta fén alt so, deimhniú praghais (mion-díol) no deimhniú praghais (mórdhíol) do thabhairt i láthair a thugann le tuiscint 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.
(5) Ní dhéanfaidh éinne seachas an Rialuitheoir imeachta mar gheall ar chionta fén alt so do bhunú.
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.
38.—(1) Féadfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil (dá ngairmtear tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna sa Chuid seo den Acht so) do thabhairt don Aire a 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 díol aon earra no earraí sceidealta ina mion-choda 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 miondíola na hearra san no na n-earraí sin do thaisbeáint san áitreabh ina mbíonn an gnó san ar siúl ag an duine sin.
(2) Luadhfar i ngach tuarasgabháil fén alt so—
(a) na fáthanna atá le tuairim an Choimisiúin go raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta an t-ordú is abhar don tuarasgabháil do dhéanamh;
(b) áireamhacht ar gach earra 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 liost praghais gach earra den tsórt san do thaisbeáint.
Ordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas miondíola.
39.—(1) Má dheineann an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil i dtaobh liosta de phraghsanna féadfaidh an tAire, más oiriúnach leis é, ordú (dá ngairmtear sa Chuid seo den Acht so ordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas mion-díola) do dhéanamh, maidir le gach duine bhíonn, in aon líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san, ag díol ina mion-choda, i gcás na tuarasgabhála do bhaint le haon earra sceidealta amháin, na hearra sceidealta san, no, i gcás na tuarasgabhála do bhaint le roinnt earraí sceidealta, na hearra sceidealta no na n-earraí sceidealta acu san is oiriúnach dar leis an Aire agus a luadhfa sé san ordú san, á cheangal ar gach duine den tsórt san liost ina luadhfar praghas mion-díola gach earra sceidealta le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san do thaisbeáint sa tslí a héilítear leis an ordú san in aon áitreabh, feithicil, stalla, both, no seasán eile ina mbíonn an gnó san ar siúl aige sa líomatáiste sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú fén bhfo-alt so, ordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas mion-díola do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(3) Déanfar gach ordú fén alt so d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil agus luadhfar i ngach ordú den tsórt san an dáta (ná beidh níos luaithe ná deich lá tar éis dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil) ar a mbeidh an t-ordú san le teacht i bhfeidhm.
(4) Má deintear ordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas mion-díola beidh a dhéanamh ina fhianaise prima facie ar an ordú san do bheith déanta go dleathach ar gach slí.
Ciontaí maidir le hordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas miondíola.
40.—Má dheineann duine ar bith éinní is sárú ar ordú i dtaobh taisbeána praghas mion-díola a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire no má theipeann air déanamh no má thugann sé faillí i ndéanamh 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 fineáil ná raghaidh thar cúig púint do chur air. má sé an chéad chionta aige é, agus, má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpúint no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná trí mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
CUID VI.
Praghsanna Deantora ar Earra fe Chosaint.
Fiosrúchán i dtaobh praghas déantóra.
41.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire, fé réir forálacha an chéad fho-ailt ina dhiaidh seo, iarratas do chur o am go ham chun an Choimisiúin á cheangal ar an gCoimisiún fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh na bpraghas atá á n-éileamh, ar aon earra fé chosaint atá do réir na háireamhachta leagtar amach san iarratas san, ag daoine dheineann no shaothruíonn an earra san i Saorstát Éireann, agus ar fháil an iarratais sin don Choimisiún déanfaid fiosrúchán (dá ngairmtear sa Chuid seo den Acht so fiosrúchán i dtaobh praghas déantóra) do réir an iarratais sin.
(2) Sara ndeinidh an tAire, fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo, iarratas do chur chun an Choimisiúin á iarraidh ortha fiosrúchán do dhéanamh i dtaobh praghais ime raghaidh i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta ar dtúis.
(3) Fé réir forálacha an chéad fho-ailt ina dhiaidh seo déanfaidh an Coimisiún uatha féin, o am go ham, do réir mar a cheadóidh gnó eile an Choimisiúin é, earra do thoghadh as earraí fé chosaint a deintear no saothruítear i Saorstát Éireann, agus déanfaid fiosrúchán (dá ngairmtear freisin sa Chuid seo den Acht so fiosrúchán i dtaobh praghas déantóra) i dtaobh na bpraghas atá á n-éileamh ar an earra san ag lucht déanta no saothruithe na hearra san i Saorstát Éireann.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh an Coimisiún fiosrúchán fén bhfo-alt deiridh sin roimhe seo i dtaobh praghais ime ach amháin le toiliú an Aire Talmhaíochta.
Tuarasgabhála don Aire i dtaobh fiosrúcháin i dtaobh praghas déantóra.
42.—(1) Ar bheith críochnuithe d'fhiosrúchán i dtaobh praghas déantóra maidir le hearra fé chosaint bhéarfaidh an Coimisiún tuarasgabháil (dá ngairmtear sa Chuid seo den Acht so tuarasgabháil i dtaobh praghas déantóra) don Aire ina gcuirfear síos—
(a) áireamhacht ar an earra san;
(b) gluaiseachtaí praghas na hearra san ar feadh tréimhse áirithe;
(c) ce'ca tá no ná fuil na praghsanna san ró-árd, dar leis an gCoimisiún, agus na fáthanna atá acu leis an tuairim sin;
(d) an é a dtuairim go bhfuil aon bhaint leis na praghsanna san ag aon chó-aontú no cur-le-chéile chun cur isteach ar shaor-iomaíocht;
(e) má sé tuairim an Choimisiúin go bhfuil na praghsanna san ró-árd—
(i) tuairim an Choimisiúin ar cad ba phraghas réasúnta don earra san,
(ii) a dtuairim maidir leis na slite is fearr chun a chur in áirithe go laigheadófar na praghsanna san go dtí praghas réasúnta,
(iii) má sé a dtuairim gur cheart praghas maximum do shocrú le hordú ón Aire fén gCuid seo den Acht so, an líomatáiste le n-ar cheart baint do bheith ag an ordú san,
(iv) i gcás gur earra an earra san do bheadh, dá n-iomportáltaí isteach i Saorstát Éireann í, ionchurtha fé dhiúité custum ar í d'iomportáil, an praghas do bhéarfadh iomportálaí, dar leis an gCoimisiún, ar an earra san dá ndeintí í d'iomportáil díreach ón té do rinne no do shaothruigh í agus í do sheachadadh i mbanna, agus an luach fartha agus an t-árachas íoctha uirthi, in áit áirithe iomportála i Saorstát Éireann,
(v) i gcás gur earra an earra san go gcuirtear toirmeasc no srian do réir dlí le hí d'iomportáil isteach i Saorstát Éireann, an praghas do bhéarfadh iomportálaí, dar leis an gCoimisiún, ar an earra san dá mba ná beadh toirmeasc ná srian amhlaidh leis an earra san d'iomportáil, agus dá ndeintí an earra san d'iomportáil díreach ón té do rinne no do shaothruigh í agus í do sheachadadh, agus an luach fartha agus an t-árachas íoctha uirthi, in áit áirithe iomportála i Saorstát Éireann.
(2) Déanfaidh an tAire gach tuarasgabháil i dtaobh praghas déantóra do leagadh fé bhráid gach Tighe den Oireachtas marab é tuairim an Aire ná raghadh sé chun leasa na puiblíochta san do dhéanamh.
Ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra.
43.—(1) Ar an Aire d'fháil tuarasgabhála i dtaobh praghas déantóra maidir le hearra fé chosaint féadfaidh, más oiriúnach leis é agus fé réir forálacha an ailt seo, ordú (dá ngairmtear sa Chuid seo den Acht so ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra) do dhéanamh ag socrú pé praghais is oiriúnach leis mar phraghas mhaximum don earra san.
(2) Déanfar gach ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra d'fhoillsiú san Iris Oifigiúil.
(3) Luadhfar i ngach ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) an dáta (ná beidh níos luaithe ná dáta foillsithe an orduithe sin san Iris Oifigiúil) ar a mbeidh an t-ordú san le teacht i bhfeidhm;
(b) ré an orduithe sin;
(c) an líomatáiste le n-a mbainfidh an t-ordú san.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra do cheiliúradh no do leasú.
(5) Sara ndeinidh an tAire ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra maidir le him no ordú chun aon orduithe i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra maidir le him do cheiliúradh no do leasú, raghaidh i gcomhairle leis an Aire Talmhaíochta ar dtúis.
Dleathacht orduithe i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra.
44.—Má deintear ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra beidh a dhéanamh ina fhianaise prima facie ar an ordú san do bheith déanta go dleathach ar gach slí.
Ciontaí maidir le horduithe i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra.
45.—(1) Pé uair a bheidh ordú i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra maidir le haon earra fé chosaint i bhfeidhm, ní bheidh sé dleathach do dhuine ar bith a dheineann no shaothruíonn an earra san i líomatáiste le n-a mbaineann an t-ordú san aon earra den tsórt san do dhíol ar phraghas is mó ná an praghas maximum a socruítear leis an ordú 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 deich bpúint do chur air, má sé an chéad chionta aige é, agus, má sé an dara cionta aige é no aon chionta ina dhiaidh sin, fíneáil ná raghaidh thar caoga púnt no, más rogha leis an gcúirt é, príosúntacht ar feadh aon téarma nách sia ná sé mhí no an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúntacht san le chéile.
CUID VII.
Foralacha mar Bhreis ar Choda III, IV agus VI.
Cosnaimh reachtúla.
46.—(1) Má deintear duine is fostóir no is príomhaire do chúiseamh i gcionta do dhéanamh fé sna forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghais no le ciontaí maidir le horduithe i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra, 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) nách é féin a rinne na nithe adeirtear isiad an cionta san ann; agus
(c) nách 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 eolas 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 sna forálacha den Acht so bhaineann le ciontaí maidir le horduithe praghais no le ciontaí maidir le horduithe i dtaobh praghais dhéantóra beidh sé ina chosnamh mhaith don duine sin ar an gcúiseamh san a chruthú—
(a) go raibh sé ar fostaíocht 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 colas a bhí ar a chumas i dtaobh na nithe luaidhtear sna míreanna san roimhe seo.
Eifeacht ordú fé Choda III agus VI agus éifeacht deimhniú fé Chuid IV maidir le connartha atá ann cheana.
47.—(1) I gcás connartha chun earra ar bith do dhíol le n-a mbaineann ordú praghais 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, i gCuid IV, ná i gCuid VI den Acht so deifir don chonnradh san ná d'aon cheann de théarmaí an chonnartha san;
(b) éinní déanfar fén gconnradh san tuigfear, chun crícheanna Coda III, Coda IV, no Coda VI den Acht so, ach ní chun aon chríche eile, gur roimh an dáta san do rinneadh é.
(2) I gcás tairiscinte chun earra ar bith do chur ar fáil ar phraghsanna áirithe i rith tréimhse áirithe do ghlacadh roimh dháta orduithe phraghais no deimhnithe phraghais a bhaineann leis an earra san do theacht i bhfeidhm agus é bheith ceangailte do réir dlí, fé réir forálacha na tairiscinte sin, ar neach déanta na tairiscinte sin pé caindíochta den earra san a chur ar fáil a hordófar uaidh o am go ham i rith na tréimhse sin, tuigfear gach connradh a déanfar tré ordú i gcóir na hearra 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.
(3) San alt so—
cialluíonn an abairt “ordú praghais” aon ordú ar n-a dhéanamh ag an Aire fé Chuid III no fé Chuid VI den Acht so, agus
cialluíonn an abairt “deimhniú praghais” aon deimhniú ar n-a dhéanamh ag an Rialuitheoir fé Chuid IV den Acht so.
SCEIDEAL.
Gach earra, seachas druganna agus uisce, úsáideann an duine mar bhia no deoch.
Gach earra a húsáidtear mar éadach, mar abhar éadaigh no mar abhar teine.