HC Deb 22 February 1954 vol 524 cc9-10W
Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far the definition of overshot jaws in connection with the licensing of bulls is the same in Scotland as in England and Wales.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Scottish definition provides that the four central incisors must bite on the pad. I understand that in England and Wales a licence may be granted if the teeth are only slightly off the dental pad.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many bulls licensed in England or Wales have been refused licences in Scotland in the years 1951–52, 1952–53 and 1953–54, respectively.

Mr. J. Stuart

The numbers of bulls licensed in England or Wales and refused licences in Scotland in the years 1951, 1952 and 1953 are 24 and 19. A number of other bulls exposed at auction marts in Scotland have been returned to England or Wales on the advice of the Department of Agriculture inspectors that applications for licences would be refused.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent his Department of Agriculture inspectors act on precise definitions of forward calf teeth as opposed to overshot jaws when examining bulls for licensing to ensure that a bull is not condemned for a defect that may improve as time goes on

Mr. J. Stuart

The definition takes into account the position of the four central incisors, which at the usual age of licensing are calf teeth, and the relation between the cutting edges of these teeth and the dental pad. Investigations have shown that if the calf teeth are forward the permanent teeth generally will come up in the same position.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will allow Department of Agriculture officials inspecting bulls for overshot jaws to exercise some discretion in determining whether a forward setting of calf teeth should be classified as an overshot jaw.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have undertaken to consult with the Licensing of Bulls Advisory Committee on the whole question of overshot jaws and I do not propose to make any change in existing instructions meantime.