asked the Taoiseach the consumer price index figure (a) for 1965 and (b) for the latest available date; and the reasons for any increase.

The consumer price index (base August, 1947=100) was 181 at mid-August, 1965 and 200 at mid-August, 1968. With your permission, Sir, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the points increase attributable to each commodity group and to the principal constituent items.

Following is the statement:

POINTS increase in the Consumer Price Index (base August 1947=100) between mid-August, 1965 and mid-August, 1968, attributable to each commodity group and to the principal constituent items.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the promises made by the Government, prior to the last general election, to reduce the cost of living?

That is a separate question.

I am also very much aware of the promises made by the Coalition Government that they would do it, but they did not.

They did do it.