asked the Minister for Health if he will state whether there is any service administered by his Department whereby a person who produces milk for sale may have samples of milk tested for tuberculosis; and, if so, if he will furnish particulars of the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Testing.
A dairyman may submit samples of milk for examination and testing to a bacteriological examiner appointed by me under Part VII of the Milk and Dairies Act, 1935. Particulars of the test required should be indicated at the time the sample is submitted for examination and test and the appropriate fee therefor as provided in the Milk and Dairies (Fees for Bacteriological Examination) Regulations, 1936, should also be forwarded.
The names of the persons appointed as bacteriological examiners for the year ending 31st December, 1953, were published in Irish Oifigiúilon 9th December, 1952, and appeared in the public Press on 6th January, 1953.
Would the Minister not consider setting up a cheap scheme by which milk could be tested for tuberculosis in view of the fact that the present fee is three guineas per sample?
How much?
Three guineas per sample. That is my information. Might I direct the Minister's attention to a communication—I am sure he had a similar one—from a small farmer with 25 acres who sought to have his milk tested for T.B. and who was referred to one of the laboratories in Dublin? This laboratory sent him a bottle to send a sample of milk and asked for a fee of three guineas. I was wondering if there could not be a cheaper scheme, especially as farmers can have soil tested for 1/- a sampleand seeds for 6d. a sample. A fee of three guineas seems to be exorbitant. If the Minister could enlighten my constituent it would be a good thing.
My information is that the fee varies from £1 to £1 10s. depending on the number of animals in the herd. I should like to have further particulars of the case referred to.
I can give the Minister particulars.
Will the Minister not consider recommending to farmers the desirability of having their cows tested for tuberculosis instead of having the milk tested, because if the herd is free from tuberculosis there can be no tubercular milk?
The testing of cows is a matter for the Department of Agriculture.
Would the Minister not agree that the fee of £1 or 30/- which he mentioned appears to be pretty big?
Perhaps it is.
Is there no scheme of subsidy under the local authorities?
No, there is no subsidy under that scheme.
Will the Minister give an opinion as to whether or not there should be?
If we had the money—yes.