§ Mr. McNultyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has appointed an external auditor for the randomised badger culling trial. [77232]
§ Mr. RookerIn its report of July 1998 to Ministers, the Independent Scientific Group on TB in cattle recommended that an external auditor be appointed to check field operations. Cresswell Associates, Environmental Consultants of Stroud, Gloucestershire, have now been appointed to carry out this work until November 1999. Audit work after that date will be the subject of a further invitation to tender.