Vol. 354 No. 12
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is satisfied with the quality of compound fertilisers being manufactured throughout the country, the number of inspectors from his Department who have carried out tests on various fertilisers over the past year, the results of these tests and if he will make a statement on the matter.
301.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the deep concern expressed recently regarding fertiliser quality, he is satisfied that there is adequate monitoring of quality by his Department.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together. In the fertiliser year ended 30 June 1984, 360 samples were taken by eight authorised officers and analysed in the State Laboratory. Seventy-three of the samples were found to be at variance with the statutory standards. Discussions have taken place on the subject with the IFA and fertiliser manufacturers. The position regarding composition, sampling and analysis is being examined by my Department in consultation with the State Laboratory and further discussions with the producer and trade interests are envisaged.
