Chamber and committees

I want to make another point. As you quite rightly said, there were not a huge number of responses to the consultation, but those who contributed were significant in the industry. There was no conclusive support for the proposal: 30 per cent supported it, 30 per cent did not support it and 30 per cent did not respond. From the Government’s point of view, this particular part of the order has not been conclusive. It is basically a policy that you have decided on.

As a personal comment, we need to make sure that we support farmers across the United Kingdom, because if a farm has a breakdown, it can have a devasting impact on not only the family’s mental health but their finances. Farmers do not ask for bovine TB in their herd. It is an unintended consequence of purchasing whatever it might be or, indeed, something that has not been identified through testing. It is very important to recognise that, although it is great that Scotland has TB-free status, it is happening across our United Kingdom, where the supply chain is integral to Scotland’s success.

I have some scattergun questions for you. Going back to the measures that are currently in place, I presume that anyone who breaks TB rules has their farm payment reconsidered and is potentially subject to a fine. Why are those measures, which are currently there, not sufficient?

The BCVA has said that it needs

“more detail regarding the ability to resource and carry out this approach.”

I presume that you are aware of that.

What would constitute a herd that was not subject to pre- or post-movement checks? I do not mean that in a ridiculous way. Why would cattle not have to go through those checks?

So, Scotland is a low-incidence area.

In the consultation responses, there were mixed views on reducing compensation by 95 per cent. A number of the respondents that you mentioned said that it could be a blunt tool and that they needed clearer guidance on isolation. Can you reassure the farming sector about why you made that decision? It was also noted that the measure could have an impact on small farms and crofters.

It was on the fine of up to £5,000.

How can the committee understand why the Government is doing something if it does not get full sight and understanding of those particular responses? All that we are seeing are 19 responses in which, on this particular issue, a third of the people disagreed and a third did not respond.

I appreciate that. Thank you, convener, for the time.

I still have concerns about small farms and crofters. We will not always be in this fortunate position. I understand the measures that you are taking, and I support the other measures, but, for the reasons that I have stated, I feel uncomfortable about this particular issue.