asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if it is proposed to introduce legislation to ensure the pasteurisation of all milk which is not tubercular-tested.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pure Milk Safeguards.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the fact that the present shortage of fuel in Dublin operates to prevent housewives from bringing milk to a boil before feeding it to infants, he will state what steps are being taken to ensure that none but highest grade milk is fed to infants.
I propose taking questions Nos. 2 and 3 together. The provisions of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1935, and regulations thereunder administered by sanitary authorities are intended to ensure a pure and wholesome milk supply for the community. Under the Milk and Dairies Act every dairyman who is engaged in the sale of milk for human consumption in the form of milk must be registered with the local sanitary authority and registration is not granted unless the premises and methods of production and distribution are satisfactory; and the animals, premises, and methods of production and sale are subject to regular inspection by the sanitary authority's medical and veterinary staff. Section 33 of the Milk and Dairies Act enables the Minister, on the application of the sanitary authority, to make an order compelling the pasteurisation of all milk sold for human consumption in the sanitary district. So far no such application has been received.