§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate his Department has made of the badger populations in each of the three sites in the triplet areas which form part of the MAFF bovine TB trials. [131761]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 24 July 2000]: The number and distribution of badger setts is surveyed across all three treatment areas within a triplet, but area-wide population estimates are made only in proactive culling areas. This 1118W is done firstly prior to culling, to ensure sufficient traps are set; and secondly after culling, to obtain a measure of culling efficiency.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the cost of compensating beef farmers for consequential losses due to restrictions placed on their herds as a result of TB outbreaks. [131808]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 28 July 2000]: MAFF has commissioned an independent study of the consequential losses to cattle farms resulting from outbreaks of bovine TB. The study was presented to the TB Forum on 13 July and comments were invited. I am placing copies of the study in the Library of the House.