§ MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Department of Agriculture is aware that prosecutions have been taken by local authorities in the north of England against alleged excessive water in Irish butter; and whether, in view of the fact that no standard has yet been legally established to define the percentage of water in butter, the Department will take steps to protect the interests of Irish agriculturists.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Department is aware that prosecutions under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts have been instituted by the local authorities in the north of England for alleged excess of water in Irish butter. The question of the desirability of fixing a legal standard, or standards, as to the percentage of water in butter, is engaging attention, and the Department is in communication with the Board of Agriculture in Great Britain on the subject.
§ MR. O'MARAWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI have done so. I have said the Department is in communication with the Board of Agriculture on the subject.
§ MR. O'MARAWill steps be taken to prevent prosecutions?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe percentage of water admissible appears to be a matter of doubt, and the Departments responsible for protecting the interests of agriculture are in consultation with a view to arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. No more can be said at present.
§ MR. O'MARABut—
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The question has been fully answered.