asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the total quantity of butter rejected from stocks or otherwise as sub-standard (a) in 1957 and (b) in 1958, and (2) the average present cost per ton to wholesalers of (a) standard and (b) sub-standard butter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sub-Standard Butter.
The total quantity of butter rejected for non-compliance in one way or another with the Dairy Produce Act, 1924, and Regulations made thereunder was 7,141 cwt. in 1957 and 7,451 cwt. in 1958, representing respectively 0.7 per cent. and 0.8 per cent. of production. Of these quantities, about 5,000 cwt. were rejected in each year for defects in the butter itself, the balance being due to faults in packaging. The average cost of creamery butter is £441 per ton delivered to the purchaser's premises or nearest railway station. I am not aware that rejected butter is being sold to wholesalers.