HC Deb 06 February 1961 vol 634 c17
23. Mr. Billiard

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, after trial, he is satisfied with the working of the new apparatus used for punching the ears of cattle and sheep at certification centres for live animals.

Mr. Soames

Difficulties have sometimes been experienced with the new type of punch and, in consultation with the manufacturers, we are introducing some modifications which will, I hope, solve the problem.

Mr. Bullard

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but may I ask him to bear in mind that the amount of bleeding which the apparatus causes, particularly in the case of sheep, has caused a good deal of public comment? Will he try to see that the apparatus is perfected, so as to avoid that?

Mr. Soames

I am most anxious that we should get ahead with this new modification, which I believe will solve the major difficulties at present inherent in this machine. I hope that we will be able to get the modified version out to the officers concerned as soon as possible.