§ 33. Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider amending the Calf Subsidy Scheme to encourage the de-horning of cattle.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe policy of my right hon. Friend remains one of reducing Government activity and intervention in the affairs of the agricultural industry, and he would need convincing evidence before making an exception in this case.
§ Mr. ButlerI thank my hon. Friend for that answer, but will he investigate the matter further because of the well known and established benefit which results from de-horning, particularly in the yarding 940 of cattle and in milking parlours? Will he review the question once more?
§ Mr. StodartI regard this idea as wholly laudable, but it is one for the market rather than for direction; horned beasts at the market undoubtedly fetch a little less. However, I must point out that if some sort of statutory direction were imposed it would affect a celebrated breed of cattle which live in the Highlands of Scotland.