§ 39. Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy with regard to the protection of badgers in the light of current research into vaccination; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies) on 20 May at column612, adding that the badger is protected under the Badger Act 1973 which is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
§ 79. Mr. HaynesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next intends meeting the chairman of the Nature Conservancy Council; and if he will raise the subject of the protection presently afforded to badgers.
§ Mr. GummerNo date has been fixed for a meeting with the chairman of the Nature Conservancy Council, but my right hon. Friend and I are always ready to meet the council whenever there are points we could usefully discuss.