§ Mr. Wattasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate pilot schemes of do-it-yourself artificial insemination in crofting townships in the Highlands and Islands to make available to crofters semen from bulls with greater growth potential than those available at present.
§ Mr. William RossThe use of artificial insemination in cattle breeding is already well established in those parts of the Highlands and Islands where there is a sufficient cattle population to enable services to be provided economically. Semen from a wide variety of breeds is available, and users are free to exercise their judgment as to the type of bull best suited to their needs. Crofting townships not presently covered by an Al service may be able to take advantage of the new arrangements for farm storage and DIY insemination announced by the the Government on 27th February.