Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Monday, 28 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 10th March, Official Report, columns 1925-6W, on Bovine Artificial Insemination, what the reasons are for the difference in the costs of official testing of bull semen in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain.

Answer: David Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2005, Official Report, columns 1925-26W, on bovine artificial insemination, what the reasons are for the difference in the costs of official testing of bull semen in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain. [224591] Mr. Bradshaw: As stated in the answer of 10 March 2005, Official Report, columns 1925-26W in Northern Ireland, bulls are sampled by private veterinary practitioners with financial arrangements agreed between the bull owner and the veterinary practice concerned. As this cost is arranged between the bull owner and the veterinary practice concerned, it was not included in the costs given in the earlier answer. We understand that private vets typically charge £80 to £100 per bull. In Great Britain, Defra veterinarians carry out the sampling and the charge is amalgamated into a single fee.

Secondary information