HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 cc851-2
17. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make an announcement on the future of do-it-yourself artificial insemination.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The considerations raised by this proposal are complex and in some respects novel.

A full examination is being made of it, but I cannot say at this stage when a decision will be reached.

Mr. Mills

Does my hon. Friend realise what very real dangers lie ahead if this is allowed into the hands of private enterprise?

Mr. Russell Kerr

Hear, hear.

Mr. Mills

Will my hon. Friend take this matter very seriously? Is he aware that it is terribly important not to undo all the good work that the Milk Marketing Board has done for British agriculture over many years?

Mr. Stodart

Hitherto I have always found my hon. Friend to be the chief exponent of private enterprise.

Mr. Mills

Not on this.

Mr. Stodart

I willingly say that health considerations in all this are absolutely crucial and so radical a step merits very close examination.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Could my hon. Friend say whether there are any films in preparation illustrating these techniques?

Mr. Stodart

This is something I have had under consideration.