asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, if he will indicate the effect of the wide range of price increases on the Consumer Price Index in the period from 11 December 1979 to date.

It is not possible to indicate the effect on the Consumer Price Index of all price increases implemented in the period from 11 December 1979 to date as the necessary information is not available.

It is estimated that the price increases recommended by the National Prices Commission and approved by me in the period covered by the Deputy's question would add about 3.2 per cent to the CPI.