andMr. Bruton asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will introduce unit pricing for meat products on a basis similar to the United Kingdom Price Marketing Order, 1972, to enable consumers to compare prices more effectively.

Since 1973, a notice showing the price per pound for most meats must be displayed by all retailers of meat in accordance with a Retail Prices (Food) Display Order. A further similar order was made earlier this year.

The recent order was made on the recommendation of the National Prices Commission and after consultation with the National Consumer Advisory Council.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that unit pricing is a different thing from the mere display of prices and that the United Kingdom order requires that a unit price giving the price per pound must be displayed on each individual pack or item of meat displayed in a packaged form and not on a notice board at the entrance to the shop? Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if she intends to introduce an order such as this, which was introduced in 1977 and not in 1972 as stated in the question?

The whole question of unit pricing is under active consideration in the Department, and the Department have sought advice from the Attorney General's office as to whether this could be done under section 90 of the Prices Act, 1958. As the Deputy is aware, a draft directive on unit pricing exists within the Commission at the moment.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say what stage the present consideration has reached and if the National Prices Commission have been asked to give their view on any specific proposal in relation to unit pricing?

There is no specific proposal as yet.