asked the Minister for External Affairs if he can state the number of prosecutions instituted in Great Britain through the instrumentality of the Department's Inspector for the three years ending the 31st December, 1924, against traders and others for fraud in connection with the sale of Irish butter, eggs and bacon; in how many cases were convictions obtained, and penalties enforced; what was the amount of the fines imposed, and whether the names of those who were convicted will be given.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FRAUDS IN SALE OF IRISH PRODUCE.
There were no prosecutions during the period in question. Our Trade Inspectors made constant tests in respect of the commodities mentioned, and in one city alone early in 1923 two hundred and fifty butter tests were made.
In connection with prosecutions of this nature it should be noted that descriptions indicating the country of origin have not been used by the ultimate distributors to anything like the same extent in recent years as before the war.