Explanatory note

This scheme makes four further amendments to the Milk (Eradication of Brucellosis) Scheme 1970, under which incentive payments are made by Milk Marketing Boards in connection with the eradication of brucellosis from herds in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

First, it removes an ambiguity in the scheme by making it clear that where a herd becomes accredited more than once the duration of the qualifying period for such payments is calculated from the first accreditation.

Secondly, it brings to an end on 30th November 1974 any outstanding period for which incentive payments may be made in Northern Ireland, except for a herd which exists, but is not certified or about to become certified, on 30th November 1972.

Thirdly, it ensures that if milk from a herd becomes eligible for dairy incentive payments under the Brucellosis Payments Scheme 1971, which applies only to herds in certain eradication areas, payment will not be made under the 1970 scheme on milk produced from that herd thereafter.

Fourthly, no payment may be made under the 1970 scheme in respect of milk from a herd in Great Britain unless the herd is subject to a voluntary arrangement for the slaughter of reactors by the owner; this rules out cases where eradication is left to be carried out by the appropriate Minister, using his compulsory powers.