§ 24. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what circumstances he issued permits for the export of two different consignments of Ayrshire bull cattle semen to Australia without the concurrence or approval of the Ayrshire Cattle Breed Society; and what steps he has taken to ensure that the purchasers of this semen are fully aware that progeny born as a result of this use will not be eligible for pedigree registration.
Mr. AmoryNo permits for the export of bull semen to Australia have been issued since January, 1955.
§ Mr. MathewIs my right hon. Friend aware that this refers to Ayrshire cattle semen and that my information is that two consignments did go and that they caused deep anxiety to all dairy cattle breeding societies in this country, which exist to maintain the quality of British cattle, especially in our export markets?
Mr. AmoryNo. I think that a misunderstanding may possibly have arisen from the fact that it was decided to issue two licences; but, in the result, the exports did not take place.