§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the farming industry on the proposed EU Draft Regulations on the double-tagging of sheep; and if she will make a statement. [91418]
§ Mr. MorleyThe main industry associations with an interest in these proposals have been consulted and we await their views. In addition. we have received a number of representations from individuals in the industry expressing concerns over the potential impact of the proposals on their businesses.
§ Mr. StunellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice she has received on the animal welfare implications of the use of distance-readable tags proposed in the EU Draft Regulations on sheep tagging; and if she will make a statement. [91419]
§ Mr. MorleyThe EU proposals do not provide for distance-readable tags but do require tags to be applied on a place easily visible at a distance. We shall be seeking views on the proposals from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, other animal welfare organisations and from Government veterinary officials.