§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures the Government have evaluated to deal with the problem of the spread of bovine TB outside those areas which are subject to the randomised badger cull. [73218]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 2 March 1999]Tuberculosis in cattle is a serious and multi-faceted problem in this country, and we consider that the only way to develop a sustainable control policy in the long term is to implement the wide ranging five point strategy, involving research and control, which I announced last August. That strategy reflects our evaluation of the Krebs Report, and of the ideas contained in several hundred letters commenting on it.
We are willing to consider additional action which could usefully complement existing measures. Among the ideas being considered at present are more rapid responses to TB incidents, more comprehensive local testing, local badger culling outside the trial areas, and better advice to farmers on protecting the health status of cattle herds. We have not yet come to any conclusions. We are keeping an open mind while we discuss matters with interested parties. We will give serious consideration to any proposal which might help towards a solution.