§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what requests he has received from Branscombe, Devon, for assistance with the control of badgers following their attack on a young man there earlier in the current year; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerProblems with badger damage at Branscombe, Devon, were first drawn to the attention of my Department in July 1983. Local officials have provided advice on suitable damage prevention and deterrent measures on a number of occasions since then and a senior wildlife biologist met local councillors on 2744W January to provide further detailed advice should damage recur in the spring. No evidence of attacks on humans was produced and I believe that accidental collision is an alternative explanation of any such report.
Details of the arrangements for the issue of licences to control badgers causing serious economic damage were explained to councillors but to date no licence applications have been received. Detailed advice has been offered to individual local residents experiencing difficulties.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will suspend the trapping of badgers suspected of carrying bovine tuberculosis pending the publication of the Dunnet report.
§ Mrs. FennerNo. Any reconsideration of my Department's policy for dealing with badgers infected with bovine tuberculosis in areas where they constitute a threat to cattle must await the conclusions of Professor Dunnet's review team.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he now expects to receive the Dunnet report on badgers' bovine tuberculosis.
§ Mrs. FennerI expect to receive the report shortly.