HC Deb 09 March 1999 vol 327 cc193-4W
Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the Cattle Health Scheme. [76120]

Mr. Rooker

During the last UK Presidency of the EU Council, agreement was reached on changes to animal health trade rules. The new rules allow the UK to apply for official freedom from enzootic bovine leukosis for Great Britain, and we intend to do so. This will benefit farmers, and will reduce public expenditure.

The Cattle Health Scheme attests herds as being individually free of enzootic bovine leukosis, so will not be needed once GB freedom is achieved. We will continue to run the Scheme for the time being and review its future in September. Officials are writing to all members of the Scheme to let them know the position.