§ Mr. Litterickasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his review of artificial insemination controls; and what changes he is proposing to introduce.
§ Mr. StrangProposals for changes in Government controls over artificial insemination were circulated to interested persons and organisations last August and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have considered the comments received. The following changes will be made in the controls exercised:
- (a) a slightly more stringent code of disease control measures will be applied both to the AI centres and to individual AI bulls;
- (b) quality controls for boars will be discontinued. Consultations are still in progress with interested organisations on quality controls of bulls.
Revised proposals for changes in controls relating to on-farm storage of semen and insemination by farm personnel will shortly be circulated to interested persons and organisations as a basis for further discussion.
Legislation to enable fees to be charged for inspections and other work done by departmental officials in connection with the approval of bulls and and boars will be introduced in due course.