HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1191-2W
19. Gareth Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the European Commission's proposals on sheep identification. [139848]

Mr. Bradshaw

The Government support the Commission's objective to improve sheep and goat identification but are very concerned that it has take full account of the particular needs and requirements of the UK's stratified and extensive sheep industry.

We are currently undertaking negotiations in the Council of Ministers and are pressing hard for a satisfactory outcome for the UK industry.