§ 26. Mr. Stodartasked the Secretary of the State for Scotland what reports he has received on trials carried out on Charolais cattle in Scotland.
§ Mr. WillisMy right hon. Friend has received regular progress reports on the official comparative trials being carried out in Scotland, but he feels that it would be unwise to comment on these trials until the full report is available.
§ Mr. StodartIs the Minister aware of the indignation expressed by the National Cattle Breeders Association about the very limited scope of the trials carried out and the compete lack of information about them? In view of the great importance and the reputation of the cattle 1394 breeding industry in Scotland, Will not the hon. Gentlemen reconsider this matter and let people know the results of the trials?
§ Mr. WillisMy right hon. Friend has not yet received the full reports on the trials. When he does he will consider what should be done with them. In regard to there being great indignation, I am informed that opinion in Scotland was divided. I could give a rough list showing the division of opinion if the hon. Gentleman requires it. The fact remains that various societies disagreed among themselves about whether or not this was desirable and that the Scottish N.F.U. expressed no opinion at all.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWould the Minister of State consider publishing an interim report about these trials, which would represent a great source of guidance to breeders in Scotland, which would help them to know what kind of crossing to follow and which would lay at rest a lot of uncertainty which at present exists among breeders of Scotland's traditional breeds?
§ Mr. WillisWe will, of course, look into that matter.