§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to announce the future regulations governing the experiment and practice of artificial animal insemination.
Mr. HudsonI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Press announcement that was issued last week in which are set out the arrangements governing the future development of artificial insemination of cattle in this country.
§ Colonel Carverasked the Minister of Agriculture the nature of the national service of artificial insemination offered by the Milk Marketing Board; and whether he is adopting the principle of such insemination as part of his livestock programme.
Mr. HudsonThe Milk Marketing Board has offered to organise the establishment of a number of artificial insemination centres in the interests of milk producers. These centres will be established in accordance with the principles outlined in a Press announcement issued last week, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend, and the issue of licences for any such centres will be subject to consideration by a Central Advisory Committee which is being appointed for this and other purposes connected with the development of the practice of artificial insemination. As regards the second part of the Question; I hope that artificial insemination will provide one of the methods of securing improved breeding of livestock in this country.