§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what investigation she has made into the operation of the single occupancy movement licences scheme; and if she will make a statement. [12347]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 5 November 2001].: Sole occupancy movement licences were introduced on 8 October to provide for the regular movement of livestock between premises in the same ownership and occupation within a maximum diameter of 20.0 kms. Licences are issued under the authority of the divisional veterinary manager only after an assessment by a local veterinary inspector. These arrangements were welcomed 450W by the industry and demand for licences was high in the first month of operation. After some initial delays applications are being processed within four to five days and often more quickly.