asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his attention has been drawn to variations in the quality of some compound animal feeding stuffs; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compound Feeding Stuffs.
54.
Manufacturers of compound feeding stuffs are required by law to give a statement to the purchaser showing the percentages of protein, oil and fibre in each ration. Purchasers are free to choose the compound they consider best suited to their requirements having regard to its declared analysis and its price. Official sampling and analysis of feeding stuffs are carried out regularly and appropriate action is taken where the feeding stuff does not conform to the manufacturer's guarantee or to the minimum statutory requirements.
Am I correct in believing that inspectors from the Minister's Department inspect imported material as well as home-produced material?
Yes.
Have they power in relation to imported material?
The Department of Agriculture have power to prosecute any person who sells substandard provender.
Is the Minister satisfied with the method of analysing feeding stuffs and the machinery available for such analysis?
No. I made some inquiries of my own recently. For instance, the definition of "protein" covers a wide field. It is not entirely satisfactory. I gather that the preparation of a better scale of analysis would be a very different process but it is worth looking at. I accept the Deputy's point that it is not entirely satisfactory.