asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are very dissatisfied with some of the compound feeding-stuffs at present being marketed, and if he will make an Order compelling manufacturers of compound feeding-stuffs to give a complete analysis and a list of the various ingredients in their mixtures.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compound Feeding-Stuffs.
I am not aware of the dissatisfaction to which the Deputy refers. No compound feeding-stuff can be manufactured except under licence and licences are granted only where the composition of the feeding-stuff is considered satisfactory. If the Deputy or any farmer will furnish precise information regarding compound feeding-stuffs which are considered to be unsatisfactory, I shall arrange to have the matter investigated.
As regards the second part of the question, I am satisfied that the interests of farmers are adequately protected under present arrangements, which provide that manufacturers may not, under the conditions of their licences, sell or dispose of compound feeding-stuffs unless they furnish with the mixture the following written information:—
Outside container:—(1) Trade name of feeding-stuff; (2) animals for which intended; (3) full business name of licensee; (4) number of official licence.
Inside container:—(1) to (4) above, plus minimum albuminoid and oil content and maximum fibre content (percentage).
Mr. Lehane
Is the Minister aware that, at a recent meeting of the county committee of agriculture, it was stated that there was a half stone of lime in a hundredweight of compound?
If the Deputy would get the person who had that experience to communicate with the Guards, I trust that the merchant, if he was fraudulent in his intent, will be apprehended, tried and imprisoned.