HC Deb 23 November 1979 vol 974 c414W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will suspend gassing operations pending the completion of the inquiry into the link between badgers and bovine tuberculosis; and when he expects to receive the report.

Mr. Wiggin

My right hon. Friend announced on 25 September that he had asked Lord Zuckerman to undertake a review of his Ministry's policy for dealing with tuberculous badgers and the risk to cattle. Since then, gassing operations by official teams have been suspended pending the outcome of the review, except where necessary to maintain freedom from the disease in those parts of the South-West previously cleared in this way. The conduct of the review is a matter for Lord Zuckerman and I look forward to receiving his report in due course.