asked the Minister for Health if he will state what steps are now being taken by his Department to ensure that unpasteurised milk, supplied for human consumption and which does not originate in tuberculin-tested herds, is adequately examined for the purpose of ascertaining whether it conforms to the Milk and Dairies Bacteriological Examination Regulations, 1936.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Examination of Milk.
It is the responsibility of the local sanitary authorities to enforce the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1935, and the regulations made thereunder in relation to the sale of milk under a general designation. An explanatory circular accompanied the issue to local authorities of the Milk and Dairies (Bacteriological Examination) Regulations, 1936, for their guidance in administering and enforcing the provisions of the regulations as regards sampling and local authorities have from time to time been asked to have local milk supplies tested and action taken in cases of adverse reports.
Special difficulties attended the taking of samples and travelling therefor during the emergency. The matter of devising new procedures to make the work more effective is at present under consideration.