asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will allow automated methods for the rapid estimation of fat and proteins in milk for payment purposes to farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Fat and Protein.
24.
Trials in the testing of creamery milk for butter fat content by an automated method of testing are at present in progress. Acceptance of such a method for use at creameries generally will be considered in the light of the results of the trials.
Can the Minister state whether milk in the EEC is paid for on a butter fat basis or on a butter fat and solids non-fat basis and, if the former, has he or his Department made any representations to the EEC with a view to having them pay for milk on a solids non-fat basis as well?
That is a separate question.
This question relates to the method by which the butter fat is determined. It has no bearing whatever on proceedings in the EEC.
Would the Minister not agree that the relevance of this question would depend on the basis on which milk was being paid for?
No, I would not. I think it is a simple question regarding the different types of apparatus used——
This is a different question altogether.