Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at the level of my Ministry the prices of essential commodities on the market are continuously being monitored and analysed since importers and local producers are practicing significantly higher prices than usual. As regards the imposition of a maximum retail price on frequently consumed commodities for Mauritius and Rodrigues, a survey is ongoing on different types of canned foods and other daily products. Based on the report that is expected shortly, I shall make a recommendation on the proposed extension of maximum retail price and other consumed commodities for consideration at the level of Cabinet, prior to promulgating further regulation under the Consumer Protection (Price and Supplies Control) Act 1998. A communiqué will thereafter be issued to the members of the public. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, according to Section 11 of the Legal Metrology Act on Labelling and Standardisation of pre-packed commodities – “(1) No person shall pre-pack or cause to be pre-packed any commodity unless the package of the commodity bears a conspicuous label carrying a declaration in such manner as may be prescribed as to – (a) the name of the commodity; (b) the net quantity of the commodity; (c) the name and complete address of the packer; and (d) such other information as may be required.” In addition, in line with the Consumer Protection (Pharmaceutical Products) (Maximum Mark-Up) Regulations 2023, importers are required to affix the approved maximum retail prices on every pack, packet or container of pharmaceutical products. This concerns about more than 7000 medicines which are subject to price control.

79 As regards for other commodities, in accordance with the Consumer Protection (Consumer Goods) (Maximum Mark-Up) Regulations 1998, a weighted average maximum price is applied to new consignments and existing stocks. As such, the price of the controlled commodities automatically changed once the price of the new consignment is approved in order to reflect the new prices. Presently, consumers have access to transparent and necessary information on the newly approved maximum price for each product which is on the website, the Price Fixing Information System and that are to be practiced by retailers. Consumers can thus also report for any mis-pricing to my Ministry for necessary actions.

Yes, hon. Beechook!

Can the Minister come up with regulations so that the MRP, the Maximum Retail Price, be affixed, be visible to the consumers so that, at least, they do not have to go on the website of the Ministry to crosscheck the MRP and the actual price that is being practiced in shops, supermarkets and so on? And it is being practiced in India.

We will try to consider!

Thank you. Hon. Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien! NSLD LTD – 8000 HOUSING UNITS PROJECT – STRATEGIC PLAN