Official Report 78KB pdf
We raised various points on SSI 1999/187 but those on penalties, style and European convention on human rights considerations are still outstanding. Again it is suggested that we report that to the lead committee.
The legal briefing was full and interesting. There is drafting that does not do what is intended. We should sympathise with the Executive in dealing with European regulations but also with lay people who have to interpret them. When farmers get such legislation it must be very difficult for them.
User-friendly guidance is to be welcomed. After we discussed it last week, I met a number of farmers who clearly found the regulations incomprehensible. As we said, if half a page of text is needed to describe a sheep, then there must be something wrong.
Presumably our response can give credit for the guidance but note our concern on style and in regard to the clarification on penalties that is still needed.