asked the Minister for Agriculture if he authorised the recent use of Army personnel in the agricultural officers dispute; the number involved, the duration and tasks performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Agricultural Officers' Dispute.
16.
The deployment of Army personnel during the recent industrial action by some members of the Union of Professional and Technical Civil Servants employed in my Department was authorised by the Government, at my request. A total of 80 Army personnel were involved from 27 to 31 May in supervising the setting aside of samples of dairy products for subsequent quality check. These special measures were essential to ensure that the products were eligible for intervention or other Community aids without which very substantial losses would accrue to dairy farmers and employment in the processing plants would be put seriously at risk.