§ Mr. Bostonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now in a position to make a decision on the future importation of Charolais cattle.
§ Mr. PeartThe Secretary of State for Scotland and I have decided to permit the importation of Charolais cattle, mainly158W females, from France later this year in order to establish the breed in Great Britain. In our view it has been sufficiently established that the Charolais bull is a worthwhile addition to the range of crossing bulls available to producers of beef in this country.
Detailed arrangements will now be worked out in consultation with those concerned. Breeders who are given permission to import will be required to comply, at their own expense, with strict veterinary controls and to select stock of adequate quality. Strict control of the movement of imported stock and their progeny will have to be maintained for some years as a precaution against the spread of any genetic defects.