Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Friday, 28 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Friday, 5 December 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will comment on his proposals for the cattle passport scheme.

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his proposals for the cattle passport scheme. [18939] Mr. Rooker: On 30 July I announced that the Government was setting up a computerised cattle tracing system (CTS) which would be fully operational in 1998. The system will be administered by a new public sector organisation, the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), which will manage cattle movements and respond to database queries. On 7 October I also announced that the Government had decided to centralise the issue of cattle passports at the BCMS. The new scheme will give the UK one of the most advanced cattle tracing systems in Europe.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 302 c359W; 18939
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Databases Animals Software Cattle Disease control Transport British Cattle Movement Service