§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the production of the draft artificial insemination of cattle regulations. [50469]
§ Mr. RookerThe Ministry received 20 replies to the formal consultation letter on the Regulations which was issued on 6 November 1997. A copy of the consultation letter and replies are available for reference in the main MAFF Library at Whitehall Place. Other letters and telephone calls on the subject have also been received.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many staff have been redeployed from drafting the artificial insemination of cattle regulations to work related to the BSE-related beef export ban; and when he expects them to resume their former role; [50471]
(2) when he expects to publish the draft artificial insemination of cattle regulations. [50472]
§ Mr. RookerOne officer who had a leading role in the drafting of the proposed new Artificial Insemination of Cattle Regulations has been redeployed to BSE-related work. The aim is to have a full complement of staff working on the AI Regulations in the Autumn although this is dependent on the Government priorities at that time. When work does resume, further consideration will be given to the areas which we know remain of concern to the industry. The date on which the Regulations will be made depends on when the work resumes and how quickly remaining problems can be resolved.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when officials from his Department last met representatives of the Artificial Insemination of Cattle Operators; and what decisions were reached. [50468]
§ Mr. RookerFormal discussions with a cross-section of representatives of the artificial insemination (AI) in cattle industry took place on 20 March 1998 to discuss responses to the consultation on the new draft AI Regulations and to clarify certain aspects of the new regulations. It was agreed at the meeting that officials would give further consideration to the use and disinfection of dry shippers, the use and control of field flasks, the rules applicable to the supervision and control of inseminators and donor bull identification numbers; and that industry would be informed when the proposals were being submitted to Ministers.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to enforce the existing regulations concerning the artificial insemination of cattle. [50470]
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§ Mr. RookerThe Artificial Insemination of Cattle (Animal Health) (England and Wales) Regulations 1985 continue to be enforced by Ministry staff as they have been since they came into force.