§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures have been taken with regard to the new system for cattle tagging to be introduced in 1998; what assistance has been offered to farmers; and if he will make a statement. [18138]
§ Mr. RookerDouble tagging of all cattle born or imported into the UK will become mandatory from 1 January 1998. The Department's officials issued an information note on this to farmers in August 1997, and are in close touch with representatives of the livestock industry and eartag manufacturers about the new arrangements.