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.