§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received and what research he has commissioned on the implications of a reduction in the genetic pool of cattle breeds in the United Kingdom. [12855]
§ Mrs. BrowningAs I explained to the hon. Member on 21 March 1996,Official Report, column 314, the Ministry has commissioned work on the theory of genetics which included specific studies on the effects on the gene pool of selective breeding of farm animals. The research concluded that any potential negative effects can be avoided by targeted breeding.