HC Deb 30 May 1957 vol 571 c593
26. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he is making for the use of beef shorthorn bulls at artificial insemination centres in England and Wales, in view of their value for crossing purposes.

Mr. Godber

Operators of artificial insemination stations are now permitted to use beef shorthorn bulls subject to approval in the same way as bulls of other breeds.

Mr. Turton

While I congratulate my hon. Friend upon the wisdom of that decision, in which I am personally interested, may I ask whether he can say at how many centres advantage is being taken of this option?

Mr. Godber

So far as I am aware, no requests have yet been made in England for approval of beef shorthorn bulls, but, of course, as and when requests are made, they will be considered.

Mr. Paget

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I heard his Answer with considerable alarm? It was always the policy—a desirable policy, I think—to establish direct the milking reputation of shorthorns obtained by artificial insemination. Is it not highly desirable that beef insemination should come from colour marking breeds?

Mr. Godber

That is a view which has been held for a long time. I think that a good deal more is understood about the matter now. Particularly with the need for increased emphasis on beef, I do not think that this is at all an undesirable development. I believe that there are great opportunities here.

Mr. Turton

Is it appreciated that if one wants to obtain a satisfactory cross with an Ayrshire, one has to use a beef shorthorn bull?

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