Cattle Database

HC Deb 18 June 1996 vol 279 cc439-40W

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to establish a national (Wales) cattle database. [32892]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

In the Government's response to the Agriculture Select Committee report on the identification and registration of farm livestock last year, we recognised that a national database might be an appropriate solution to the new arrangements to be introduced by the EU after 1996. This will need to be looked at in more detail. In the meantime, interested organisations are being consulted about the Government's proposals for compulsory cattle passports. These documents will improve animal identification and traceability and are an important element in the measures being taken by the Government to restore confidence in British beef.