asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) what quantity of Danish butter imported in the past 12 months has proved defective; (b) what percentage of the total volume of butter imported did this represent; (c) when discussions with Danish exporters were initiated in respect of the defective butter; (d) when did a representative of Danish exporters come to Dublin to inspect it; (e) what prospect there is of Danish exporters recouping the cost of this butter to Butter Marketing Committee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Danish Butter.
Mr. Walsh
(a) and (b) It is not possible to state the precise quantity which proved defective, as the cases reported to my Department do not necessarily represent the entire quantity of such butter. I do know, however, that about 338 cwt. of Danish butter was rejected by butter traders, etc., as being unfit for table use; (c) 6th April, 1951; (d) 13th April, 1951, and 23rd May, 1951; (e) discussions with the Danish exporting authority on this matter are still proceeding, and I am not yet in a position to indicate what the result will be.
Am I correct then in believing that out of the total quantity of butter imported, which was in the neighbourhood, I think, of 6,000 tons, 300 odd cwt. proved to be defective; that the Danish consignor was promptly notified and came to Dublin to inspect it and that negotiations have since been proceeding with him for full compensation in respect of the defective butter?
Mr. Walsh
That is not quite correct. Discussions with the Danish exporting authority on this matter are still proceeding.
Yes, but they began in May.
Mr. Walsh
I have no indication that we are going to be compensated.
You have no indication.