asked the Taoiseach the actual price of the following commodities in February, 1973 and the price in each case in February, 1977: 2 lb bread, 1 lb butter, 1 lb tea, 1 lb sugar, a pint of milk, 1 lb round steak, 1 lb sirloin steak, 1 lb rib steak and 1 stone of potatoes.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.

Following is the statement:—

NATIONAL average retail prices for the commodities specified at mid-February, 1973 and 1977 as determined from prices collected for the compilation of the Consumer Price Index.

(a)Based on prices returned for 800 grams.

Could the Minister indicate some of this information to the House? There are only about six items concerned. Surely it would not have been beyond the Minister's power to outline the six.

There are many more than six items and I have asked permission of the Ceann Comhairle to circulate the information.

There are eight items. Would the Minister not agree to give the House information on the eight items?

I have asked the Ceann Comhairle for permission and received it.

It is usual to accept that position.

Could the Minister indicate if the price increases of the essential foodstuffs mentioned in his reply, which we will get in due course, are in keeping with the 14-point plan of the Coalition Government?

Sin ceist eile.

The Deputy is entering another area.

This is not another question.

Order, Deputy Dowling.

Can the Minister give us some information about the increases in essential foodstuffs?

Order, Deputy Dowling. The Chair is in possession. If the Deputy wishes to put down a question in relation to policy he must do so. He has been given a set of statistics which he sought. Policy matters are for another Minister. He must put down the appropriate question.

Can I raise the matter on the Adjournment?

I will communicate with the Deputy.