§ 36. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that it is now becoming a common practice to expose margarine for sale without any label on it and have it thus sold as butter; is he aware that such proceedings are most detrimental to the butter industry; and will steps be taken immediately to prevent them and have heavy penalties imposed upon people who may be charged with doing such work?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are not aware that the practice referred to is common. Careful attention is paid to the matter by the inspectors of the Department. There is no power to interfere with the discretion of magistrates as to the amount of the penalties inflicted for the offence.