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The officials might have further information about how we arrived at those numbers.

There will always remain a concern. Even if we implement the restrictions across GB on imports of dogs, cats and ferrets—and I hope that doing so will significantly impact the illegal trade that currently takes place—we have to be cognisant that criminal enterprises and organisations tend to be behind many of those movements, and they will be looking for any avenue to get access. There will always be the threat that there could be exports or movements of animals into Northern Ireland from the EU that would then have access to Scotland. We will just have to pay close attention to that. I hope that, with all the measures that are proposed in the bill, the powers that we are given and the regulations that will come in future will have a significant impact on that trade. However, we will have to keep a close watch on that element.

Thank you for having me here to speak about the regulations. The draft instrument would amend retained European Commission regulation 589/2008 on the marketing standards for eggs with regard to checks done on imported class A eggs. At the moment, checks for class A egg marketing standards take place at the place of destination, such as egg packing centres and wholesale premises. However, for eggs imported from third countries, the retained EU regulation requires that the checks are carried out at the time of customs clearance. Given that the UK has left the EU, a greater number of checks would need to be made at the border. Therefore, the instrument would amend the regulations to enable marketing standards checks to continue to be undertaken on imported class A eggs at the place of destination, rather than at customs. The checks are and would continue to be undertaken by suitably qualified egg marketing inspectors prior to release for retail sale or mass catering.

The instrument would also enable checks on imported class A eggs to take place where resources are already established and where there is already expertise. We believe that that approach would be more efficient and practical. In reality, there are currently no imports of eggs directly into Scotland from the EU or elsewhere, other than infrequent and small quantities from the Republic of Ireland, although some eggs arrive in Scotland from the EU via English ports. For that reason, the UK and Welsh Governments are taking forward corresponding amendments for their jurisdictions.

I hope that those remarks are helpful in setting out the rationale for the draft instrument. Of course, I am happy to take any questions that committee members might have.

Highly trained inspectors undertake that work. That is also the point of the statutory instrument, because it means that we can focus our resources and that more inspections will be enabled than would happen if it was determined that they were to take place at a customs checkpoint, which would split the resources that we have and would take our inspectors away from the work that they are currently doing and the checks that they already undertake. It therefore allows us to better utilise the resource that we have at the moment. The SSI does not change any of the checks that take place; all that it does is change where they take place.

We are not looking to stop legitimate movements of animals. However, we have a significant problem when it comes to the illegal trade of puppies, in particular, that come into the country. It is important that we get the balance of measures right. That is why we are in constant discussion with various animal welfare organisations, the British Veterinary Association and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission to look at the proposals. I think that what is proposed will significantly impact the illegal trade, which is what we want to clamp down on.

That is what the bill gives effect to—it gives us the power to make further regulations should we want to make changes to animal transport legislation. Again, however, given the nature of movements of livestock, in particular, throughout GB, it makes sense for us to discuss it with other Administrations if we are to make changes.

We consulted on the issue early in the year, and we recently published the response to that consultation. However, if we are going to make any changes to animal transport, we will also consult on any proposals that come forward, because we want to ensure that we do not disadvantage those who live in our remote and island communities when it comes to animal movements.

I believe that the draft standards that are being proposed are due to go out to consultation shortly. I am not aware of those concerns—they have not been raised directly with me—but Andrew Voas might have more information on them or on whether they have been raised with officials.

An awful lot of work has had to be undertaken very quickly since we left the EU. As I said, in effect, this Scottish statutory instrument puts into legislation what has been happening in practice with the checks at the place of destination. That is why it is being brought forward now.

I cannot give you a definitive answer on that today, but I am happy to come back to you with further information.

The measures that are proposed in the bill will have a significant impact as they stand. As I have said, the maximum number of animals that can be imported will be five per vehicle, which is already a significant change. Again, though, we are in constant discussion with animal welfare organisations; indeed, I am due to meet the Dogs Trust, and I will, no doubt, have that conversation with it. It is important to have that discussion with such organisations, and then discuss with other Administrations the question whether further amendment is needed. Obviously, I am more than happy to have the discussion and to consider the matter fully.