Thurso Urges Minister to back Scottish Sheep Farmers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Apr 2003

Local MP John Thurso today pressed DEFRA Ministers to back Scottish sheep farmers by resisting new EU proposals for sheep identification which have been branded as "unworkable" by farmers:

Speaking in the Commons, he asked:

"Does the Minister agree with NFU Scotland that the EU proposals for individual sheep identification could close down the Scottish industry? Given that the highly regarded and successful Scottish flock identification scheme is supported by vets, farmers and government, will he do his utmost to promote the Scottish system to the Commissioner?

Speaking afterwards John Thurso commented:

"Scotland has led the way with its model of marking flock numbers. The system is supported by SERAD. I wrote recently to Ross Finnie and he responded positively saying that promoting the Scottish system to the Commission "will form a key part of our negotiating strategy". I know that he is breaking off his election campaign to push the Scottish case in Brussels - which I applaud - and it is vital that on this occasion he receives the full support from UK ministers".