HC Deb 31 January 1978 vol 943 cc130-1W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much cyanide has so far been used in the present programme of extermination of badgers in the counties of Avon, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Mr. Strang

About 11 cwt. equivalent of active cyanide.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long he expects the present programme of gassing badgers to continue; and how many of those killed have been found to be suffering from tuberculosis.

Mr. Strang

We expect that it will be necessary to continue the programme for some years, but on a declining scale as the incidence of tuberculosis among badgers is reduced. As sets are sealed during gassing, it is not possible to give the numbers of infected badgers killed.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the larger quantities of cyanide at present being used to exterminate badgers in the West Country will have no long-term harmful effects on other animals and local residents.

Mr. Strang

We are satisfied that these operations will have no such effects. The procedures adopted are designed to eleminate all risks. Gassing is not undertaken until clearance has been obtained from local water authorities and environmental health departments.

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