§ Mr. Bill Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take in response to Professor Dunnet's recommendation that the current practice of releasing lactating female badgers taken in control operations should be discontinued; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JoplingMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I fully understand the reasons which led Professor Dunnet to make his recommendation. Having taken the views of the consultative panel, we know that it accepts that on disease control grounds there is a strong case for its adoption. However, many panel members have expressed overriding reservations on ethical and humanitarian grounds about any change to existing policy. We know too that there is widespread public concern on this issue.
214WHaving taken full account of these views, and after very careful consideration, we believe that, on balance, the existing policy is right and have decided that it should be continued. Thus, any lactating females taken between 1 February and 30 April will continue to be released as will any females taken after the end of April which are likely to have entirely dependent cubs.