The primary purpose of the 30 day retention period is to control the spread of disease. In the context of the recent foot and mouth disease emergency, I consider that this measure, together with the range of movement restrictions introduced, was a critical success factor in the containment of the disease to a single outbreak in this jurisdiction. I am aware that the measure has had implications for trading in cattle. I have already relaxed a variety of the movement restrictions that were in place in relation to cattle movements from farm to farm, through marts and to slaughter plants. I have made specific arrangements for an exemption from the 30 day requirement in respect of live exports. I will keep the matter under close review in consultation with the expert group which I established to advise me on such matters.