asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will take immediate steps to see that weights are displayed on all packaged foodstuffs in both the metric and avoirdupois systems so as to eliminate confusion and malpractice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marking of Packaged Foodstuffs.
72.
I consider that legislation on broad lines requiring that all pre-packed goods be marked with an indication of quantity would not be as effective as detailed regulations which suit the characteristics of each product or group of products. I have adopted this approach in the Merchandise Marks Bill, 1969, which was introduced in the Dáil last week. The Bill contains provisions which will enable me to make orders requiring that specified pre-packed goods be marked with the quantity of content by weight, measure or number and that goods be sold in standard quantities. At this stage, I consider that it would be premature to decide on the commodities in respect of which orders might be made, or on the requirements which might be prescribed. These matters will be determined by what appears to be necessary, in the interests of the consumer at a particular time, in relation to each product.