§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to appoint external auditors for the Government's badger culling scheme. [64836]
§ Mr. RookerFollowing the issue of invitations to tender, an external auditor was selected in November 1998 to carry out, during 1999, a detailed audit of culling 603W trial field operations. A contract is being finalised. We also intend to appoint an external assessor to evaluate the method of despatch used for badgers.