§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of the badger TB programme in each area in each of the last five years. [16242]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe information is not available in the form requested. However, the approximate cost of employing staff to undertake badger investigations following TB breakdowns in cattle in England for each of the last five financial years is as follows:
- 1991–92: £466,707
- 1992–93: £588,328
- 1993–94: £792,898
- 1994–95: £1,202,448
- 1995–96: £1,212,137—estimate
In addition, considerable resources have been allocated to research into the problem of TB in badgers and cattle. It is estimated that the Department will spend £1.48 million in the current financial year.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the cost of administration of the blood test scheme which identifies TB in badgers since its introduction. [16243]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe cost of using the recently developed live test for TB in badgers, from its introduction in November 1994 to date, has been approximately £536,324.