§ 18. Mr. Mackieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his talks are proceeding with countries likely to be affected by the importation of Charollais bulls into this country.
§ Mr. SoamesI regret that I am unable to make a statement at present. I will do so as soon as I can.
§ Mr. MackieIs not the situation becoming ridiculous? Has the Minister seen the results of the test for live weight yield of these animals in America, where they beat all other breeds, the Hereford being a bad second? Has he noticed the interest in this breed from all over the world, 1,000 of them going to Russia? Is it not time that he ignored the views of the rather conservative-minded breed societies and gave the British farmer and the British housewife the benefit of this breed?
§ Mr. SoamesIt is not a question of ignoring anything. When I answered a Question earlier in the winter I said that I was anxious that we should be able to do the experiment with Charollais cattle. I am also anxious to preserve an important export trade in livestock.
§ Mr. MackieHow important is this trade—less than half a million pounds out of a total agricultural export figure of £180 million. It is surely far more important to have these animals than that?
§ Mr. SoamesPerhaps I am trying to get it both ways.