asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the loss to farmers and purchasers of wool, and of the complaints of traders, due to the marking of sheep with tar instead of a lighter commodity which could be removed without destroying any of the wool clip, and if he will take steps to prevent the use of tar for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Tar for Sheep Marking.
Mr. A. Byrne
I am aware that the value of wool is considerably lessened if tar has been used for marking the sheep. For a number of years past steps have been taken to discourage the use of tar for branding purposes, and flock owners have been, and continue to be, advised to use alternative branding fluids which do not injure the wool.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister make a regulation to that effect instead of giving advice on it?
That has been considered many times, but there are great difficulties in that too.
If the fellmongers will produce a cheap substitute for tar, the farmers will very gladly use it, but they should not be asked to purchase an expensive substitute for tar in order to increase the fellmongers' profits, which, God knows, are large enough as it is.