Written question asked by Alan Duncan (Conservative) on Monday, 2 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 May 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what his estimate is of the number of dairy herds unable to be inseminated for the purposes of continuing milk production. (Holding answer 5 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Duncan: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his estimate is of the number of dairy herds unable to be inseminated for the purposes of continuing milk production. [156914] Ms Quin: [holding answer 5 April 2001]: We are aware that the current ban on artificial insemination (AI) by technicians in infected areas will pose problems for some farmers, although we are not in a position to quantify the extent. On 29 April there were around 8,000 dairy holdings (as classified in the June 2000 agricultural census) in the infected areas in England. Not all of these will use AI; some will own a bull. Of those that do use AI, some will use the DIY method (where licensed movement of semen is permitted, subject to certain conditions) and others AI companies. We have already taken some action to alleviate the problems faced by farmers and we are actively considering other ways in which we can provide assistance in this area.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 367 c692W; 156914
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Artificial insemination Animals Cattle Dairy farming Dairy products Licensing Foot and mouth disease Milk
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk