Scotland-Concerns over animal health.

SCOTLAND-THE SBCA..

THE Scottish Beef Cattle Association (SBCA) is urging Richard Lochhead, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, to stand firm and oppose proposals by the UK department of the environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) to create a new quango, largely funded by farmers, to handle animal health issues throughout the UK. The initial suggestion is that this could cost livestock producers in the region of £22 million each year with marginal benefit.

John Bell, chairman of the SBCA, , said: "A very different approach is required in Scotland where an enlightened attitude by farmers and the government has resulted in a situation where the risk of disease outbreaks is considerably lower.

"The SBCA firmly believes that the budget for animal health should transfer immediately from Defra to Scotland to ensure we continue to maintain our excellent record of high health status."

Lochhead has consistently argued that the animal health budget should be devolved in the same fashion as Holyrood has the capacity to operate a different agricultural policy from England. On this front he has the support of the veterinary profession and all farming organisations north of the border.

Bell said: "It is obvious that the Scottish Government places greater importance on the economic potential of agriculture than London. The industry is Scotland has shown a lead over many years as well as enforcing stricter controls on animal movements from areas (in England] where there are problems with bovine tuberculosis."