§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 3 November,Official Report, column 396, which particular snares were used; how many badgers were caught using snares; how many were killed by the snares; how many were killed by his operatives; how many were released; and whether any were lactating sow badgers.
§ Mr. MacleanSwivelled free running snares were used. Three badgers were caught and all three were killed by ministry operatives. None was a lactating sow.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Caerphilly of 3 November,Official Report, column 396, if he will describe in more detail what circumstances required the use of snares in each of the eight badger investigations; and what guidelines he issues for the control and supervision of such investigations.
§ Mr. MacleanIn each case snares were used only when it became clear that badgers remained active on the premises following standard trapping operations. All fields men carrying out badger control operations are required to follow detailed standing instructions. When snaring fields men work in pairs and the whole operation is closely supervised by a senior officer.