asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the recent disturbing figures disclosed in the course of a parliamentary answer concerning the indifferent standards maintained by milk distributors, he will consult with the Minister for Health in order to have adequate safeguards devised and enforced to protect the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Standards.
Without minimising the significance of the figures referred to, I should say that they do not show that indifferent standards are maintained by milk distributors generally, since the percentages of the samples taken which failed to pass the prescribed tests did not average more than 11 per cent. in 1951 and 7 per cent. in 1952; and, as I stated in reply to a question by the Deputy on 13th March, 1952, the fact that samples of milk fail to pass some of the tests prescribed under the Milk and Dairies Act does not mean that the milk is actually dangerous for human consumption. I consult with the Minister for Health as occasion warrants in regard to the operation of the Act and I may inform the Deputy that my Department and the Department of Health have both been preparing the heads of a Bill to amend the Act in certain respects which our experience has indicated to be desirable.
Would the Minister say what is the purpose of carrying out the bacillus coli test on highest grade milk which, in 1951, showed that 21 per cent. of samples taken failed to pass the test and, in 1952, 18 per cent. of the samples taken failed to pass the test? If the test is of any value surely we should continue to have samples taken and, if it is of no value, why do we continue to have them taken?