§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will include the livestock identification scheme in the Government's deregulation initiative.
§ Mr. SoamesAll the Department's activities are conditioned by the need to minimise the regulatory burden on those affected. In the case of animal identification this is of course subject to the need for measures to protect public and animal health and to safeguard taxpayers' money.
§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the livestock identification scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesRepresentatives of the livestock industry and enforcement bodies are being fully consulted on the implementation of new Community rules on animal identification and registration. Helpful and constructive contributions have been received from the farming unions, breeding organisations, auctioneers, local authorities and others.