§ 7. Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to 895 publicise the merits and attractions of Welsh native breeds of animals for export for breeding purposes.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. David Gibson-Watt)Publicity for individual breeds is a matter for the breed societies and breeders concerned. I hope that they will make full use of the facilities available from the Government's export services and from export promotion organisations.
§ Mr. HoosonDoes the hon. Gentleman accept that over the years there has been a good deal of discontent among breeders in Wales at the Livestock Export Council not having enthusiastically supported Welsh breeds? As this could be an important factor in the agricultural life of the Principality in the future, will the hon. Gentleman see to it that the council shows more enthusiasm for Welsh breeds than it has done in the past?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that in the past I was Chairman of the Livestock Export Council and I therefore have some knowledge of this matter. Knowing that the hon. and learned Gentleman has great knowledge of the Welsh Black Cattle Society, last night as a matter of urgency, I spoke to the president of the society and he told me that the exports of Welsh black cattle are very encouraging indeed.