To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the estimated cost to (a) farmers and (b) the public purse of electronic identification of sheep is for its first year of operation; and if he will make a statement; (244514)

A regulatory impact assessment has been produced for England, a copy of which is available on the DEFRA website. An updated version to take account of changes to Council Regulation 21/2004 that were negotiated over the summer and more detailed implementation options will accompany the consultation that is planned for the spring.