§ 17. Mr. Mackieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now allow an import of Charollais females in order to establish the breed in this country.
§ Mr. SoamesNo, Sir. The object of the current importation of Charollais bulls from France is to see whether they have anything to offer in improving the quality of beef from our dairy herd. The question of establishing the breed will have to be considered when we have seen the results of this trial.
§ Mr. MackieIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the situation has altered considerably since the Minister took his decision to import bulls only? Is he aware that the countries which were reputed to be afraid of the entry of these cattle have now decided that they want them? I refer to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Australia. Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that we are losing a volume of exports by being behind in the introduction of 601 these cattle? The Minister must be aware that we are tops in breeding cattle in this country and in improving breeds. Would he not reconsider the whole situation so that we can get ahead and get these admirable cattle into our country?
§ Mr. SoamesI wholeheartedly agree with the hon. Member about what this country has to offer in the breeding of livestock. The Terrington Committee went into this matter in great detail and obtained a great amount of knowledge on the subject. That Committee has advised that we should have this pilot scheme to see what could be offered, and I think this is the right policy before we decide to import any more.
§ Mr. MackieAs I am not satisfied with that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.