asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to implement forthwith the recommendations in the interim report on the cattle and dairying industries issued in August, 1943, by the Committee of Inquiry on Post-Emergency Agricultural Policy, and, in particular, the recommendations suggesting (i) that supervisors of cow-testing associations should be paid a minimum standing salary; (ii) the discontinuing of the payment of fees by farmers, and (iii) an alternative proposal for financing the cost of the cow-testing scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cattle and Dairying Industries.
Many of the recommendations in the report referred to have already been implemented. The recommendations in regard to cow testing have been accepted. The implementation of these would, however, involve an increased demand for cow-testing facilities in new areas, and such expansion is not at present practicable owing to emergency shortage of equipment necessary for associations. The scheme will be reorganised on the basis recommended in the interim report as soon as such action becomes possible. In the meantime a temporary increase of pay to supervisors of the existing cow-testing associations has been in operation since January, 1945.
Is it proposed in the new scheme to stipulate that farmers whose milk is being paid for at the subsidised rate to creameries will be required to belong to a cow-testing association and submit their cows to regular tests?
No.
Does the Minister not think that in view of the substantial element of subsidy in the price at present being paid for milk that some request of that kind should be made to the farmers who are benefiting by the 1/- per gallon at present being paid?
I do not think that the scheme would be any use if it was made compulsory. I think it should be a voluntary scheme.