§ Mr. Roger WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for an individual identification system for sheep. [13086]
§ Mr. MorleyIf we are to free up movements of sheep for the spring we must put in place arrangements that will enable us to trace sheep movements in the event that there is a resurgence of foot and mouth disease. We have had initial discussions with industry representatives, which covered individual identification. We are now examining a number of points on which they expressed concern. Officials will be considering these further with them, before coming to a final decision.
I am aware that industry would prefer to move straight towards electronic identification. Electronic identification also remains the Department's objective but it would take time to implement and would not deal with immediate problems.