§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress made in dealing with the problem of bovine tuberculosis in badgers.
§ Mr. StrangSince the discovery of the part played by tuberculous badgers in certain limited areas of the country in the spread of tuberculosis in cattle, much experimental and investigative work has been carried out. This work has confirmed the view originally taken about 279W the susceptibility of badgers to bovine tuberculosis and the transmission of the disease from badgers to cattle. Gassing operations have been carried out since August 1975 by Ministry staff at the locations in South-West England where the disease has been diagnosed in badgers.
A report of the work done up to 31st August this year is being published today. The report also describes the work of the Consultative Panel on Badgers and Tuberculosis since it was established in September 1975. I am arranging for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House.