asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that Polish bacon is being retailed as Irish bacon in a great unmber of shops in the Free State; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to put an end to the practice.

No specific instance of the sale in the Saorstát of Polish bacon as Irish has been brought to the Department's notice and, in the absence of marks, it is not possible to obtain proof as to origin. As already intimated by me in reply to previous similar questions, I understand that in the Merchandise Marks Bill, which is being prepared by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, it is proposed to make provision to prevent the substitution of imported produce for the produce of the Saorstát.

Could the Minister give any indication as to when the Merchandise Marks Bill will be introduced?

Very soon.