§ Sir J. Lambasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any further statement 1258W to make on artificial insemination in view of the widespread desire to launch immediately new schemes of this nature?
Mr. HudsonI am aware that a number of schemes for artificial insemination have been prepared, or are in contemplation. While I fully appreciate the great potentialities for good of this practice if properly conducted, its possibilities for harm if it is inadequately controlled, or if development takes place on wrong lines, are also considerable. I concur, therefore, in the view held by the Agricultural Improvement Council that any results to be anticipated from an extension of the practice of artificial insemination are important from the point of view of long term policy rather than in relation to their influence on the immediate position. I also share their opinion, reflected in their recommendation for the initiation of two large scale field trials to be carried out under the general supervision of the supervisory committee recently appointed by the council, that before its general adoption can be recommended, experience of its practical application under ordinary farming conditions in this country is desirable. As I have already stated, I hope to obtain powers from Parliament enabling me to exercise a proper degree of control, and I have asked the supervisory committee to advise me on this point as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, I consider that no schemes other than the two recommended by the council, or any that the supervisory committee may subsequently initiate or approve, should be proceeded with.