asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will consider giving grants to groups in local communities who wish to establish community consumer councils.

I have no plans at present for giving grants for the establishment of community consumer councils. I am awaiting the report of the Consumer Education Committee and the comments of the National Consumer Advisory Council on the proposal to set up a consumer information and research centre. Until I receive these I shall make no decision.

When does the Parliamentary Secretary expect to have this report?

I expect to have the report from the Consumer Education Committee by March, 1978.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say when she expects to take action on foot of that report?

Immediately following that report.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary sympathetic to the idea of encouraging increased vigilance among consumers at local level, particularly in view of the extraordinary precedent she outlined some minutes ago whereby the work of the National Prices Commission might be impaired due to the illness of one of their members?

I am aware of the difficulties the Deputy has outlined and I am very sympathetic towards the consumer.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary be pressing for financial encouragement for such institutions as consumer councils at local level?

The Deputy can be assured that whatever recommendations are made to me will be considered fully and that action will be taken immediately following.

The Parliamentary Secretary is personally sympathetic to them?