asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that the retail price of bacon is adjusted in accordance with the rise and fall in the price of pigs, he will ask the Prices Advisory Body to investigate the question of introducing an arrangement whereby the retail price of meat would be adjusted in accordance with the rise and fall in the price of cattle.

The Prices Advisory Body have examined the question of retail meat prices on a number of occasions. The most recent examination was undertaken last month at my request, and with particular reference to a suggestion that reductions in the prices of cattle and sheep for slaughter were not being passed on to the consumer in retail meat prices.

The body have now submitted their report which is under examination.