I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 255 together.
Under the proposed new arrangement for the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes farmers will in general pay their veterinary practitioners for the first annual herd tests each year. The level of fees payable will be a matter for negotiations between the farmer and practitioner. The proposed new arrangement includes a reduction in farmer levies of some 65 per cent. While it is the case that farmers will benefit in overall terms under the new arrangements, the position of individual farmers will depend on their particular circumstances.