asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the detailed proposals which were put by him to the National Prices Commission according to an official statement of 29th July 1977; and the revised guidelines, if any, now in operation by the NPC for the purpose of price control.

The proposals which I put to the National Prices Commission at a meeting on 27th July, 1977, as the official statement referred to by the Deputy made clear related to more vigorous examination of applications for price increases. I am at present awaiting the response of the commission to my proposals. Until this is received and considered by me in consultation with my colleagues in the Government, it would be inappropriate to give details of my proposals, or to introduce revised guidelines.

Why the great secrecy relating to the guidelines in view of the very evasive nature of the various statements made by the Minister prior to the election about what he was going to do in regard to the Prices Commission? Now, apparently, the information cannot be disclosed.

As the review of price control procedures suggested by the Minister is still under consideration no details can be disclosed. It is impossible at present to anticipate decisions by the Government or the Minister on revised price control procedures. In the circumstances it is recommended that the details should remain confidential.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if the National Prices Commission have given any indication as to when their views will be forthcoming and, if so, if the National Prices Commission's views will be published in one of their monthly reports?

As the Deputy may be aware, the commission intended to report to the Minister on their proposals during September. However, due to circumstances outside the commission's control, the meeting of the commission did not take place until 6th October and the commission are now finalising this document and they hope their report will be communicated to the Minister at the earliest possible date.

That is the report for which month?

August-September.

Somewhat out of date.

I understand the normal date for the publication of these reports is about the beginning of the second month. That would be the beginning of November.