§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost to the Government has been of the introduction of(a) horse passports and (b) the equine database. [170758]
§ Alun MichaelWork began in the financial year 2002–03 to extend the requirement for passports to all equines and introduce a national equine database in partnership with industry.
The cost to the Exchequer in that financial year was less than £130,000 and in financial year 2003–04 the cost was less than £500,000, including publicity. These funds were found from within existing resources.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to the horse industry of the introduction of(a) horse passports and (b) the equine database. [170759]
§ Alun MichaelA regulatory impact assessment was deposited in the House Libraries with the Horse Passport (England) Regulations 2003. That assessment is being updated and a copy will also be deposited in the House Libraries when the 2004 regulations are laid shortly. This will include an assessment of costs linked to the introduction of the database.
The equine database is being introduced following an initiative by the equine industry in partnership with the Government. It will include some statutory data, though potentially the largest volume of data will be provided by the industry for the industry on a voluntary basis. This will be breeding, performance and evaluation data.