§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further consultation his Department has now had with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Assocation on the provisions of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill; what has been the outcome of this consultation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the sire licensing provisions in the Bill. When I met representatives of the Royal College and the Association on 11th April, they asked for certain statutory changes to enable the profession to provide owners with an effective certification service under the new arrangements for bull licensing. I agreed to all of these changes and notice of the necessary amendments to the Bill was given on 4th May.