asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of the proposed merger of the National Prices Commission and the office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Paragraph 3.22 of the national plan indicated that the Government would consider the overall effectiveness of the work of the Restrictive Practices Commission, the National Prices Commission and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs in the promotion of greater competition and efficiency in the economy.

The Minister and his Department have now considered the matter in detail and will shortly be submitting proposals, including those for amending legislation, to Government for decision.

The Minister made a recent announcement concerning this matter in the public press. Will this involve amending legislation and if so will that legislation be introduced in this session?

Yes, it will need amending legislation. I am sure Deputy Flynn and other Deputies would welcome any logical development which will make the system more efficient from the consumer point of view and ensure competition within our economy. The matter will be going to Government very shortly. I would not like to say when this legislation will be published but if it is not published in this session I would hope to have it published early in the new year.

I call Question No. 7 in the name of Deputy Taylor.