HC Deb 09 February 1993 vol 218 c550W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what current scientific data his Department has on the transmission by badgers of bovine tuberculosis to cattle.

Mr. Soames

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davis) on 19 January 1993,Official Report, column 209.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his Department is currently reviewing existing policy on the control of bovine tuberculosis in Britain; when he expects that review to be completed; and if he will place a copy of the review in the Library.

Mr. Soames

There is at present no call for a fundamental review of control measures for bovine tuberculosis because these depend largely on community requirements and because they have been outstandingly successful in reducing disease to its current very low level. The Department is considering the possible role in our control strategy of a test to detect disease in live badgers. It is not possible to say when this process will be complete because it depends on continuing scientific studies.