ROGER WILLIAMS CALLS FOR EID TO BE INTRODUCED VOLUNTARILY (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

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Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

ROGER WILLIAMS CALLS FOR EID TO BE INTRODUCED VOLUNTARILY

March 20, 2009 9:01 AM

Following a discussion with Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, on the issue of Electronic Identification (EID) for sheep, Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has called for the scheme to be introduced on a voluntary basis.

Mr Williams said:

"It is my understanding that Hungary has added an item to the agenda for the forthcoming European Council of Agricultural Ministers meeting [23-24 March] to discuss EID.

"Following my conversation with the Secretary of State it appears that Hungary will call for the EID proposals to be voluntary. This is something I will support and I hope that DEFRA will do all they can to make it happen.

"It is currently unclear whether there are sufficient votes within the council to turn this proposal into reality but I have asked that Jane Kennedy MP [Agricultural Minister] do all she can to persuade a sufficient number of member states to vote with the UK and Hungary.

"The current proposals are overly complicated, overly burdensome and will not be beneficial in terms of tracing meat sources. Additionally it will be costly for many farmers with sheep flocks.

"I have received reassurances from the Secretary of State that if the council does not vote in favour of the Hungarian proposal that the minister will seek to lighten the regulatory burdens that farmers will have to face if the scheme is introduced.

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