HC Deb 19 June 1997 vol 296 cc302-3W
Mr. Swinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the computerised traceability scheme proposed by Mr. Brian Pack of Aberdeen and Northern Marts; and if he will make a statement on the estimated time scale for the introduction of a fully computerised traceability scheme for beef herds in Scotland. [4217]

Mr. Chisholm

Aberdeen and Northern Marts carried out a feasibility study on a computerised tracing system for Scottish cattle in 1994. This voluntary system was considered by the Department, as were contributions from other sources. Circumstances have changed considerably since then. Both the Government and the industry ascribe great importance to the introduction of a mandatory national system. We are proceeding urgently on this basis.