MR WILLIAM Hague told the meeting at Hawes that Defra at Leeds would win a prize for being the worst region in the country for organisation.

But he supported North Yorkshire trading standards department in doing a difficult job, saying it was under-staffed.

This followed a complaint by a farmer that five hours hanging on to a phone trying to get through to trading standards was not considered a good use of his time.

He also complained that county hall would not process a licence until the last minute and would no longer fax licences, as Defra had changed the rules.

Another farmer complained that movement licences were taking a week to arrive in the post. The office was understaffed and did not work at weekends.

The meeting asked Mr Hague to ask trading standards to process earlier, and give a starting date, so vets could plan their work as they had only 24 hours for inspection in connection with the movements.

It was pointed out that Lord Whitty was suggesting a general licence, starting in February, which should make matters easier.

It was felt that the media coverage was not doing the farming industry any favours, but that a nationally co-ordinated campaign by the Government was needed to promote British exports of meat, which was critical both socially and environmentally.

The chairman, Mr Phillip Holden, asked the meeting in which direction it wanted Rejuvenate to go. Ideas should be given to Mr Maurice Hall, Mr Jim McRobert, or himself.