asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, with reference to the previous representations made by me to his Department regarding the exploitation of the farming community by manufacturers of spurious veterinary preparations through canvassers employed by them, he is aware that one firm or concern engaged in the sale of these products has changed its name and the name of its products on at least two occasions and if he will consider warning the community which is the victim of these fraudulent concerns, by the media of Press advertisements and public notices of the danger of entering into contracts for the purchase of these worthless products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Veterinary Preparations.
Mr. Walsh
The case to which the Deputy refers in the first part of the question has come under notice in my Department.
As regards the second part of the question, my Department has periodically issued warnings to farmers through the Press, radio and county committees of agriculture. The last such warning was in the following terms:—
"The Minister for Agriculture desires to warn farmers against purchasing, or agreeing to purchase, preparations claimed to be remedies against animal diseases or to improve the health and condition of animals, until they have consulted a person competent to advise them as to theclaims made for such preparations. The Minister is aware that preparations for which exaggerated or unjustified claims are put forward are offered for sale to farmers from time to time, on the basis of unwarranted statements as to the worth of the preparations for the treatment of animals. Farmers should, therefore, exercise the greatest caution in regard to the acceptance of offers for the sale of such products."