HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc312-3W
35. Mr. Grocott

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in farmed deer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

I refer the hon. Member to the announcement 1 made in the House on 15 December 1988 at columns674–75.

53. Ms. Mowlam

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is having with the Deer Farmers Association about tuberculosis in farmed deer.

Mr. Donald Thompson

In my announcement to the House on 15 December 1988 (Hansard columns 674–75) I explained the discussions I was having with the British Deer Farmers Association. I met the Association again on 21 December to discuss these matters further. My officials have also written to a wide range of organisations with an interest in deer farming, inviting their comments on the proposed new measures.

65. Mr. Haynes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates he has for the extent of tuberculosis in farmed and wild deer.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Since the beginning of 1986 tuberculosis in farmed deer has been confirmed in six out of an estimated 250 deer farming premises in Great Britain. Since 1971 only eight wild deer have been found to have been infected with tuberculosis out of a total of 734 carcases inspected in connection with official operations in areas where there is a high risk of infection from badgers.

The extent of tuberculosis in farmed deer will become more clear when legislation, to be introduced shortly, will make the disease notifiable in farmed deer.