§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if will give details of research projects he is undertaking or funding into the spread and control of tuberculosis in farmed and wild animals; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he intends to increase research into the spread and control of tuberculosis in farmed and wild animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonMy Department is presently funding at a cost of approximately £0£5 million per annum a programme of research and development at the central veterinary laboratory, Weybridge designed to improve the diagnosis and control of tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife including badgers and deer. Appropriate research work will continue to be funded by my Department in recognition of the statutory and public health importance of this disease.