asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he will now meet the wishes of milk suppliers by arranging (a) that they be allowed to take samples of their milk on the creamery platform so that, if necessary, an independent analysis can be carried out, (b) that assistance be given for the establishment of an independent testing centre and (c) that the butter fat test carried out by the creamery be marked on the pass card within two days of the test.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Butter Fat Tests.
17.
: As already intimated to an association of milk suppliers with whose representatives I recently discussed these matters, I have decided that creameries should enter the results of the butter fat test, within two days of its completion, on the pass book of any supplier who requests such a facility. I have also decided to introduce an arrangement whereby at the request of a supplier a dairy produce inspector of my Department will carry out an independent check test of the composite sample of the supplier's milk, which has already been tested by the creamery.
The necessary steps for the introduction of these arrangements are at present being completed by my Department.