§ 37. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the proposal to abolish bull licensing; what replies he has sent; and whether he will now make a statement about the progress of his consideration of this matter.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartNo proposals have been announced. As foreshadowed in Cmnd. 4564 "Proposed Changes in the
296Wgiven to British agriculture, and thus to the consumer, in each of the last 20 years; and if he will express that support as a percentage of the total value of agricultural production in each of those years and as a percentage of the total value of food consumed in Great Britain in each of these years.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartIt is not possible to go back further than 1955–56. Prior to that date the direct cost of agricultural support cannot be identified because of the system of food control and rationing then in operation.
The available information is as follows:
Work of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food", the future of all forms of sire licensing is being carefully considered. My right hon. Friend has been made aware of strong feelings for and against abolition of bull licensing, and he will be making an announcement in due course.
§ Mr. Wigginasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average cost to his Department last year for each bull rejected under the bull licensing scheme.
297W
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThis cannot readily be identified separately. In general the cost of rejecting or accepting a bull falls to be recovered from the proceeds of licence and appeal fees which now stand at £2.75 and up to £7 respectively.