HC Deb 17 March 1955 vol 538 c1440
29. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture which poultry geneticists his Department consulted in preparing the new poultry progeny testing plan; and whether the proposals have been approved by them.

Mr. Amory

A number of geneticists and other scientists were consulted during the preparation of this plan but they were not invited to approve the proposals in detail. I am satisfied that the plan has a sound scientific basis for its purpose.

Mr. Hurd

In developing this progeny testing plan for poultry, will my right hon. Friend take full account of the opinion of scientists in this country and also of the experience of the United States, because there appears to be a considerable difference of opinion?

Mr. Amory

I believe that our plan is soundly based. We have taken account of the views of scientists, and shall continue to do so. I think my hon. Friend may be referring to an article by an American, but the object there may have been slightly different from our object in this case.