CRO GOVT ESTABLISHES COMMISSION FOR SUPPORT OF CONSUMERS

( Editorial: --> 3070 ) ZAGREB, Jan 8 (Hina) - The Croatian Government on Thursday established a Commission for Supporting Consumers which will warn consumers about instances of unjustified price increases which manufacturers and traders justify with the introduction of value added tax. The Government decided to establish the commission at today's closed session chaired by Finance Minister Borislav Skegro. According to a report of the Government's Communications Office, the commission will have the task to protect consumers from excessive increases and insufficient decreases in prices of certain products and services, which are justified by the introduction of value added tax. The commission will concentrate on and analyse the price rate and structure of products and services, especially prices significant for the standard of the low income population. The commission will also use the media to inform consumers about unjustified increases or insufficient decreases in prices set by manufacturers and traders, contractors and suppliers of services, and will inform and propose to the Government measures to protect consumers. Martina Dalic, the finance minister's assistant for macroeconomic analysis and forecasts, was appointed chairwoman of the commission. The Government appointed 24 commission members, including journalists, representatives of the state administration, trade unions, employers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Parliament, and financial institutions. (hina) ha jn 081648 MET jan 98