ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICES FOR SHEEP

That this House recognises the economic and financial difficulties the sheep industry in the UK is facing; considers that sheep farming is a very important part of the social, environmental and economic fabric of rural areas of the UK; notes that the European Commission's proposals for the introduction of electronic identification devices for sheep in the UK is untimely; and further notes that the technology required for its successful operation is not fully developed, the equipment is costly and that there remain insurmountable, practical animal husbandry barriers to its successful introduction and operation in the UK and other EU member states.