STILL NO FIRM FACTS OVER EID COMPLIANCE

STILL NO FIRM FACTS OVER EID COMPLIANCE - HUME

November 10, 2011 5:07 PM

Jim Hume MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has once again called on the Scottish Government to publish what it believes the read rate will have to be to meet new rules governing sheep EID.

After months of saying that farmers and crofters will not have to be 100% compliant, the Government has yet to come forward with any firm facts on the issue.

Commenting, Mr Hume said:

"The issue over EID read rate compliance has been rumbling on for years now. One of the main factors behind this is a lack of transparency coming from the Scottish Government.

"I have asked the Cabinet Secretary repeatedly what the read rate will have to be so it is compliant under new European rules. The Minister has repeatedly told the press and parliament that he has secured a deal that will mean 100% compliance will not be required.

"Well it is time he came clean. What exactly will the compliance rate have to be? Ninety percent? Ninety-five percent? Until we get straight answers from the Government farmers and crofters will continue to be nervous over the potential of fines being handed down."

Ends