asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that in Cork County the Gárda Síochána (food and drugs section) have failed to get convictions against persons for supplying new milk with a certified deficiency in milk fats as high as 20 per cent.; whether he will, in the interests of the health of the people, introduce legislation at an early date giving District Justices power to convict in all such cases coming before them.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CORK MILK PROSECUTIONS.
I have received a report from the Gárda Síochána to the effect that during the period from 1st January, 1925, to date, 41 prosecutions against milk vendors in Cork County were dismissed in cases in which the deficiency in fats ranged from 6 per cent. to 20 per cent. The cases were dismissed as the defendants proved that the milk had been supplied as received from the cow.
Whether legislation should be introduced abolishing or limiting such defence is not a matter proper to my Department. I should like to add, however, for the information of the Deputy that I understand that a conference was held recently between representatives of the Department of Local Government and Public Health and the Department of Lands and Agriculture, at which this question was considered.