asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has yet received the reports of the National Prices Commission in relation to the prices of cars, motor car parts, tyres, detergents, processed foods, biscuits and clothing, and so on, in the Republic and Northern Ireland; where comparative reports for such products are not available if he has requested such investigations; and if he will list the products where he has to date fixed their prices at the Northern Ireland level.

As I indicated in reply to Question No. 20 I am at present awaiting the response of the National Prices Commission to the detailed proposals which I put to them on 27th July, 1977, regarding the examination of price increase applications. However, certain arrangements are already in hands with regard to comparisons with Northern Ireland prices. A detailed study of the motor industry is being carried out at present. As part of the terms of reference the consultants engaged in the study have been requested to examine the prices of a representative sample of motor vehicle models in the Republic and Northern Ireland and to identify and report on the reasons for differences in price levels where these are found to exist. Arrangements are also being made for a study of comparative prices of a wide range of grocery products in Dublin, Belfast and Liverpool. The items to be covered in the survey will include a range of detergents, processed foods and biscuits. Other initiatives will be considered following further consultation with the National Prices Commission.

22.