asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how many farmers have had Exchequer support for milk prices withdrawn since January, 1970 because of the addition of water to their milk supplies.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creamery Milk Supplies.
20.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how many farmers have received notices from his Department in connection with milk supplies being adulterated by water; and what procedure follows if a reasonable excuse cannot be given.
22.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will state, with reference to an attempted malpractice on the part of some creamery milk suppliers, if any action other than expulsion from the Exchequer support schemes is contemplated in the cases of suppliers known to have engaged in such practice.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21 and 22 together.
Since 1st January last 66 creamery milk suppliers have been notified that samples of their milk have been found to have been adulterated with water. It was announced last October that such adulteration would lead to loss of Exchequer allowances. Each supplier was given an opportunity of furnishing an explanation. In 15 out of 16 cases so far dealt with, the suppliers concerned have been debarred from the Exchequer milk price and quality allowances and at present no further action is contemplated against them.
Is the Minister aware that in May when cows go out on grass there is a drop in the butter fat content and this has often resulted in laboratory figures being produced which would, perhaps, indicate adulteration with water where no such adulteration took place and bearing this in mind would the Minister inform the House how many of these improper samples were found when the cows were out on grass for the first time?
I am aware of the circumstances to which the Deputy refers and so is the Department and I am sure the Department took this consideration into account when dealing with these cases. Any possibility that this particular phenomenon was responsible for the apparent adulteration could be discounted.
Would the Minister indicate how many of these unsatisfactory examples occur around May?
I have not got that information.
Could the Minister give me the information?
If the Deputy puts down a question I certainly will provide him with the information.
Does the Minister wish me to put down a question?
I can give the Deputy the information privately if he wishes.
I would be quite happy to get it privately.