The herd number system is an administrative arrangement under the disease eradication schemes and is designed primarily for the purposes of disease control. The criteria used in assessing applications for a herd number principally include independent management of the holding, separate housing and fodder, the availability of adequate testing facilities and no possibility of intermixing with any other herd. The general details in regard to applying for a herd number are outlined in application form ER1, a copy of which I am arranging to send to the Deputy. As provided for in Appendix 1, page 21, of our current Customer Service Action Plan 2001-2004, the staff in the local offices aim to finalise an application for a herd number within a 28 day time frame.