The Government acknowledges the Committee’s concerns and partially accepts its recommendation. Defra officials have been working to deliver an improved identification and traceability system for equines to support biosecurity, public health, equine welfare, and trade. The implementation of digital identification and improved traceability of equines requires both legislative change and digital enhancements to the current Central Equine Database. Following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and first part of the Spending Review, there are considerable pressures on public finances to meet the government’s priorities for Defra. As a result, we are unable to progress with the delivery of a digitised equine identification system for the time being. The government recognises the importance of the equine sector to the UK economy and of improving equine identification and traceability. As an interim measure, until digitisation work can progress, Defra is considering other options to improve the current regime.