§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has refused to allow experimental crossing by the use of two American Yorkshire boars, now in this country, on certain Large White sows in selected pedigree herds, in view of the recommendations made to him by the National Pig Breeders Association and the Animal Breeding Research Organisation that further tests are desirable.
§ Mr. John MackieSince the Large White Breed Council of the National Pig Breeders Association informed us that it had decided not to proceed with its proposal to use Yorkshire boars in pedigree herds, a final decision was not called for. I have written to the hon. Member on this.
§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why, in view of the recommendations of the Animal Breeding Research Organisation, the Meat Livestock Commission and the National Agricultural Advisory Service, he has taken no action on last September's application by the National Pig Breeders Association for official release of the British Hampshire pig as a recognised breed; and if he will hasten a decision in view of the fact that this delay is causing financial loss among quality pig breeders.
§ Mr. John MackieSince the application was received in September, we have been in correspondence with the Hampshire breeders through the National Pig Breeders Association about the rules they have adopted for the breed which have a direct bearing on the licensing of boars. Their revised rules were sent to us as recently as 5th December and my Department and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will shortly be in touch with the association. I have written to the hon. Member.