§ 7. Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that vibrio fœtus cannot be spread by artificial insemination; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryIt is not impossible for this disease to be spread by artificial insemination. All practicable steps are taken by my Department to ensure that only healthy bulls are approved and maintained in use at artificial insemination centres.
§ Mr. PeytonWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he will invite the co-operation of the Milk Marketing Board to make quite certain that every possible effort which is compatible with our present state of scientific knowledge is made to prevent bulls which have this disease from being used for A.I. purposes?
Mr. AmoryI share my hon. Friend's views on the importance of this matter. I can assure him that the Milk Marketing Board is very alive to its importance, and, I believe, is doing everything possible in co-operation with my Department. I can assure him that we shall continue to have the closest possible co-operation with the Board to minimise the great damage which can be caused.