§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his response to Professor Dunnett's report on badgers and bovine tuberculosis in so far as it relates to Wales; what is the extent in Wales of bovine tuberculosis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe immediate response was to act, in concert with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to modify our badger control policy in England and Wales. Action against badgers is now being confined to that part of the breakdown farm where it is believed that tuberculosis was transmitted to cattle, or to the whole farm if it is not possible to be more precise. It may still be necessary to go on to neighbouring land to find setts so as to assist the identification of badger runs leading to the breakdown farm. A consequence of this change of policy should be that fewer badgers will be killed. Action on other detailed recommendations in Professor Dunnett's report is being deferred pending discussion with the consultative panel on badgers and bovine tuberculosis.
In Wales in 1985 infection was confirmed in nine out of 6,822 herds tested. All but one of the infected herds were in south-west Dyfed.