Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 November 2001. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the NFU and (b) others about the NFU's proposals for individual identification of sheep and goats; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) the National Farmers Union and (b) others about the National Farmers Union's proposals for individual identification of sheep and goats; and if he will make a statement. [13952] Mr. Morley: The NFU has not put forward proposals for compulsory individual identification of sheep and goats. My officials have had initial discussions with industry representatives, which included NFU, about the future identification requirements for sheep and goats. Individual identification was one of the options discussed and we are now considering the views expressed by industry before a final decision is taken.

Secondary information