§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had, and with whom, concerning the adoption of a secondary button tag on cattle, and what decision he has made. [22988]
§ Mr. RookerConsultations have been held with the Joint Industry/Government Working Group on animal identification, with individual UK eartag manufacturers and the relevant services of the European Commission. Guidance will be provided to cattle keepers once a decision has been taken on which eartags will be approved for use in the UK for identifying cattle. In the meantime, all eartags on the current approved list can be used.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to use the plastic secondary tag on cattle as a means of electronic identification. [23038]
§ Mr. RookerEU legislation on identification of cattle requires visual identification through the use of approved eartags and does not require compulsory electronic tagging of animals. However, there are no obstacles to preclude eartags being adapted to incorporate electronic devices and the Government welcome such initiatives by the Industry.