asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he proposes to enforce the regulations dealing with EEC standards of quality, grading, packaging and labelling of fruit and vegetables.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fruit and Vegetable Marketing.
149.
The answer is "Yes". Staff has been appointed to administer the regulations and they are visiting handlers of produce to explain to them the standards prescribed and to instruct them as to their responsibilities. Arrangements are also in train to advise producers as to the grading and other requirements. For a short initial period it is proposed to rely on these instructional and advisory methods but this will be followed later by strict enforcement of the law.
How many staff have been employed?
I think the number is ten.
How many markets have they to supervise?
It is not a question of markets.
Is it not true that the advice available on EEC standards to packing stations was already being given to the people in the trade several months ago?
That is quite right and it is since that that these appointments have been made. It is a big imposition and it must be done gradually.