asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that thousands of gallons of milk have been returned to milk producers in the Dublin sales area because of deficiencies in non-fat solids, and if he will say whether inspectors of his Department have done anything towards advising milk producers how this deficiency might be remedied; and whether representations have been made to him regarding these deficiencies and, if so, what steps, if any, have been taken by his Department to investigate the position and to issue a statement.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quality of Milk Supplies.
I am aware that large quantities of milk supplied to the Dublin area have been returned to producers because of deficiencies in milk-solids other than milk-fats. Representations on the subject have recently been received, in consequence of which an investigation of the position by officers of my Department was initiated immediately prior to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. This investigation has had to be suspended in present circumstances, as it would entail inspectors visiting on several occasions many of the farms from which the defective milk is reported to have come for the purpose of taking samples at various hours and under different conditions. In the absence of information as to the cause of the trouble, it is not possible to indicate a remedy.
Pending further inquiry in the matter, I propose to notify the Department of Local Government and Public Health and the Dublin Corporation that there appears to be a genuine case for investigation, and to suggest to them that proceedings under the Sale of Food and Drugs (Milk) Acts for the sale of milk containing less than the prescribed percentage of milk-solids other than milk-fats might be suspended for the time being.
As far as that is concerned the Minister's reply is satisfactory. Would I be right in saying that the bulk of that milk was returned by one wholesale firm? Could it be possible that their testing apparatus was wrong?
I do not think so. The firm that returned the milk was fined, but two other firms were also convicted, so that evidently the thing was fairly general.