§ Mr. Moateasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a map showing those areas designated as control areas under the Badgers (Control Areas) Order 1977.
§ Mr. StrangA map showing these areas was attached to the Ministry's Press Notice No. 339, dated 1st November 1977, copies of which were placed in the Library of the House at the time of issue.
§ Mr. Moateasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the approximate total area of land designated under the Badgers (Control Areas) Order 1977; if there is any estimate of the badger population in that area; and how many officials will be engaged in this operation.
§ Mr. StrangThe total area is approximately 824,900 hectares. It is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the badger populaton. There are currently 27 staff engaged full-time and 15 engaged part-time on this work.