Ministers must engage with industry over sheep tagging database - McArthur

12.53.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Sep 2009

Commenting on calls from NFU Scotland that if the controversial proposal for the electronic tagging of Scotland's sheep is to go ahead then a Scottish Government funded central database must be at the core of the system, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"It is clear from meetings held across the country in the last fortnight that a great deal of anger and frustration persists about the electronic tagging of sheep in Scotland.

"The SNP Government, however, appears to be pressing ahead with implementing these proposals, having given up on securing further concessions.

"If this is the case, it is vital that Ministers engage quickly and constructively with the industry regarding the database requirements".