asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he has noted the contents of a recent report by the National Prices Commission which indicates that the price of ham bears no relation to its meat content; and, if so, the action he proposes to take.

I have noted the report by the National Prices Commission and their recommendation that consideration be given to imposing mandatory labelling of cooked cured meat products to give an indication of meat content levels and the amount of curing ingredients incorporated in the products. The recommendation is being examined by my Department in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, who have a general responsibility for the meat processing industry.