§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice she issues on the relocation of badgers in suburban areas from(a) private home owners, (b) schools and (c) other public buildings. [32809]
§ Mr. MorleyBadgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. For the purposes of preventing serious damage to property there is provision within the legislation for action to be taken under a licence from the Department. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where relocation is the only feasible option the Department provides technical advice.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has made to the Department of Health regarding the transmission of TB by badgers. [32846]
§ Mr. MorleyIn order to keep under review the potential of Mycobacterium bovis to infect humans a Joint Liaison Group on Bovine Tuberculosis in Animals and Man was established between the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health (DH). Liaison between the Department and DH continues through the Chief Medical Officer's UK Zoonoses Group.