To ask the Scottish Executive how many recorded rams and ram lambs (a) were retained for in-flock improvement by Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy (HISS) members in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002, (b) were sold by HISS members in each year and (c) will be available for in-flock improvement in 2003.

To ask the Scottish Executive what the achievements of the Highland and Islands Sheep Strategy have been to date in relation to the (a) number of lambs recorded under the strategy and (b) overall genetic improvement in respect of ewes and rams.

The Scottish Executive assisted with the first phase of the strategy through Highlands and Islands Agricultural Programme funding and the economic benefits were evaluated at the end of 2001, when Phase 1 results showed improvements worth 62p/lamb.

The detailed information requested is not held centrally by the Executive, but can be obtained directly from the HISS Steering Group that now manage and fund Phase 2 of the strategy.