§ Tony CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how she intends to implement Commission Decision 2000/68 on horse passports and to ensure that the new system meets the needs of the horse industry. [37280]
§ Alun MichaelWe have carefully considered the responses to the consultation exercise carried out on the implementation of Commission Decision 2000/68. Taking account of these views and the need to comply with the terms of the Decision the Government have decided that by 31 December 2003 all horses and ponies must have passports. The Government also intend to introduce a unique identification number for all horses and ponies.
Owners and keepers of horses and ponies which are not currently registered will be required to register these animals with one of the appropriate approved equine organisations. The owners of these animals and the owners of registered horses and ponies which currently do not have passports, will be required to obtain passports from the approved organisations. We will require that owners of horses and ponies which currently have passports be issued with the new extended passport containing details of veterinary medicines administered.
Discussions are now taking place with industry organisations about detailed implementation arrangements.
The Government also consider that it is vital to establish a central database of basic information on horses which could be used for disease control and other purposes and will establish the necessary arrangements following discussion with the horse industry in order to achieve this end with a minimum of bureaucracy and at minimum costs.