asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has invited or received submissions from producer, consumer and distributor bodies on the EEC grading system for eggs to be introduced here on 1st January, 1978; the steps being taken to inform consumers of the implications of the new system; and if he will consider the introduction of colour coding on packs to distinguish between the seven new grades.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Egg Grading.
1.
Submissions have been both invited and received by me from producer, consumer and distributor bodies on the EEC grading system for eggs to be introduced here on 1st January, 1978. Consumers are being advised of the implications of the new system through discussions and correspondence with their representative bodies, and through Press and point of sale publicity. The EEC egg marketing regulations make no provision for colour coding of egg pre-packs but I certainly will raise no objection if, in the consumers' interests, egg packers here elect to use such coding.
Would not the Minister agree that if colour coding were to be introduced, it would need to be introduced on a uniform basis, the same colours being used for the same sizes by all packers and that, therefore, Government action would be necessary if the system were to be effective? Would he agree to introduce this system in order to assist the consumer in buying eggs? Secondly, would he state if he is satisfied that adequate arrangements have been made to inform people in the trade of the implications of this new directive which increases the number of egg sizes?
On the question of colour coding, the needs of the market will emerge from discussions we will be having with the people concerned with egg production. What was the second question?
The second question was about the trade.
We envisage that there will be publicity in the newspapers and Press notices and point of sale advertising at retail level comparing the old and new systems.
In relation to the point about colour coding, would the Minister agree to request either the National Consumer Advisory Council or the National Prices Commission, both of which bodies are concerned with consumer interests, to investigate the possibility of the introduction of colour coding and to consider whether it would be a good idea?
We will investigate the possibilities in this area.