Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 8 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 September 2003. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 15 September 2003 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, if she will make a statement on the operation of the cattle passport scheme. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the operation of the cattle passport scheme. [129065] Alun Michael: The cattle passport scheme is operated by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) and became part of the Rural Payments Agency on 1 April 2003. The cattle passport scheme has been in operation for over six years and the national cattle database contains the details of the 9.7 million animals that make up the national herd. We are currently investing a further £12 million to upgrade the system and improve its performance. BCMS operates to ISO 9001:2000 standards, is registered with the British Standards Institute and its operating practices have received the Kite mark. In addition to paper reporting systems, we have provided online facilities via a website for cattle keepers to use. BCMS are constantly striving to improve their service and efficiency.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 129065; 410 c528W;410 c534W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Cattle Documents Livestock Transport Cattle tracing system British Cattle Movement Service
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk