asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there has been no increase in the Department's grant towards the operation of cow-testing associations since 1945; and if he will take steps, pending the introduction of the revised milk recording scheme, to give an increase in the grants paid to the associations which would enable them to pay the supervisors a salary commensurate with the importance of their work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants to Cow-Testing Associations.
50.
I am aware of the position in regard to the rate of grant. The basic reason for not changing it is that I do not believe that the present cow-testing scheme can ever be made really effective. I have for some years been trying to secure agreement on a comprehensive milk recording scheme which would be run by the creameries but so far this has not proved practicable.We have of course a successful scheme of progeny testing operated by AI stations which involves milk recording of the herds under test. I shall continue my efforts to bring a comprehensive scheme into existence.