asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a number of milk suppliers in Sligo have been prosecuted for supplying to creameries milk which, although unadulterated, was found to be deficient in fats; and if he will consider introducing legislation to exempt milk suppliers from prosecution in such cases unless adulteration of the milk can be proved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fat Deficiency in Milk.
I have no first hand information as to the proceedings to which the Deputy refers, but if he will give me particulars, I will have inquiries made and will communicate with him.
Does the Minister contemplate introducing legislation for the purpose of varying the present standards relating to fats in milk? As the Minister is aware, several prosecutions have taken place in various parts of the country during recent years. Many farmers have been brought into court and proved, at all events to the satisfaction of the justice, that it was not their fault that their milk was under the standard. As the Minister is aware, as a farmer, these deficiencies are largely due to seasonal causes and farmers cannot be reasonably held responsible for them. The Minister will also recall that a test carried out on a Government farm last year revealed that many of the cows on that farm produced milk that was under the legal standard, notwithstanding the fact that these cows were fed and treated under the very best conditions.
Local authorities are carrying out the law as it stands. There is a test that is not very long known and it appears to be possible under that test to find out whether milk is adulterated or not. If it is established that this test is reliable, I think amending legislation would be justified.
Is this test being carried out?
Yes, it is being investigated.