Power to issue emergency licences during outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease

3.—(1) During an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Scottish Ministers may issue an emergency licence for the purposes of paragraph (2) below.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of the 1985 Regulations, an emergency licence may authorise the licence holder to do anything specified in the licence that would otherwise be prohibited by any provision of the 1985 Regulations, subject to any conditions and exclusions as may be specified in the licence.

(3) An emergency licence shall expire 2 months after the end of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease during which it is issued.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5) below regulations 7(11), 26 and 27(b) of the 1985 Regulations apply to emergency licences as they apply to licences issued under the 1985 Regulations.

(5) For the purposes of the reference to regulation 26 of the 1985 Regulations in paragraph (4) above, matters requiring to be in writing shall include electronic forms of communication.