asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries how many samples of compounded feeding stuffs were taken by his Department during the past two years; and how many of these did not meet the minimum standards laid down by law.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compounded Feeding Stuffs.
19.
934 samples were taken from manufacturers of compound feeding stuffs in the two years ended 16th October, 1969.
Fifty-two samples were found to be below the legal minimum standard.
Could the Minister say if he is satisfied that the present system of analysing foodstuffs shows the true value of the foodstuff as a feeding stuff?
No attempt has been made to measure the true value; in the tests and prescriptions we have laid down it is the minimum protein, the maximum fibre and whether or not there is any oil contained in it. That is all that is capable of being laid down at the moment.
Does the Minister agree it would be desirable to have an arrangement whereby the value of the foodstuff could be determined?
If anyone who knows or understands the dilemma can help in any way I would be most happy. I have been aware of this lack for quite a long time. I am not in a position as yet—if I ever will be—to give the right answer to this problem. It is a problem and it does exist.