 |
 |
Clarification needed on EID after MEP comments - Lib Dems
December 4, 2009 12:17 PM
George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, and the party's Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP have written to Richard Lochhead to seek urgent clarification on the Scottish Government's policy on the implementation of EID.
The call comes after comments made by SNP MEP Alyn Smith. Smith is quoted as saying that the Scottish Government does not think that helping Scottish sheep farmers fund the implementation of EID is "worth doing".
Liberal Democrats, along with the NFU, have repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to help meet the cost of the regulation, due to come into effect on 1st January 2010.
Commenting, Mr Lyon said:
"Sheep farmers across Scotland are already worried about the financial implications of implementing this ill-conceived and unnecessary scheme. Alyn Smith's comments have only added confusion to the situation.
"It would be astonishing if the Scottish Government did not commit to fully fund the central database as the NFU and the industry have asked for.
"Other EU member states including France, Spain, Italy and Greece have used RDP funding to help ease the financial burden forced upon their farmers.
"It is time the Scottish Government showed the same level of commitment."
Liam McArthur MSP added:
"The SNP are obviously all over the place on this issue.
"Having thrown in the towel in terms of securing further concessions for Scottish sheep farmers, Richard Lochhead must urgently clarify if he intends to access the funds that the European Commission has said will be available to help Scottish farmers
"It is time for the SNP government to show its hand and avoid making a bad situation worse for Scotland's sheep farmers."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- George Lyon MEP
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats