asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in the context of consumer legislation, he will make provision for the compulsory labelling of meat which will give the name of the cut, the amount in the packet, the total price and the price per 1b.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Labelling.
17.
I take it from the terms of the Deputy's question that he is referring to pre-packed uncooked meat. Two of the Deputy's four suggestions have already been required by law for some time. An order under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1970, which came into effect on 1st February, 1974, requires that all packs of meat for retail sale must be marked with the quantity. An order under the Prices Acts requires that since June, 1973, shops selling meat must display the unit price on a list.
It would be difficult, if possible at all, to require the name of the cut to be shown on packs; these names are to some extent a matter of local custom and could be varied for purposes of evasion and they are not legally defined so as to be enforceable in the courts.
As to total price, this is already displayed on many packs of meat. The question of requiring the showing of price and unit price on packs is under consideration in the context of the National Consumer Advisory Council's report.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware there are certain Dublin butchers who do not know what a chump steak is?
Does the Parliamentary Secretary know what a chump is?