asked the Minister for Health if he will state the total cost, including analysts' fees, of the sending of samples for analysis, by dispensary medical officers for the years 1946, 1947 and 1948, and if he will consider the revoking of the archaic regulation requiring the sending of samples or, alternatively, consider the suggestion already made to him of having an analyst take the samples periodically direct from the consignments in course of preparation at contractors' warehouses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Analysis of Samples.
The cost, including analysts' fees, of the sending of samples for analysis by dispensary medical officers is not available in my Department.
I will consider whether any modification of the regulations governing the sending of samples for analysis can be made. Samples forwarded for analysis have, however, been found to be incorrect, and it is necessary to ensure that the prescribed standards are maintained. The taking of samples at the contractor's warehouse would be of little value, as there would be no guarantee that the consignment sent out was that from which the sample had been taken.
Would the Minister not consider that the consignment ready to be despatched would be opened in the presence of the analyst? Would that not ensure that the sample would be genuine?
I appreciate that there is a certain amount of inconvenience in these regulations. That is a proposition which it should be possible to investigate and I should be very glad to have it looked into.