§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration is given to resident badger populations when(a) designing and (b) constructing new roads.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 12 March 1990]: We aim, where possible, to design trunk roads to avoid interfering with badgers. Where setts or runs may be affected, advice is obtained from the Nature Conservancy Council and local wildlife trusts about steps to be taken to move the badgers or maintain their runs. Badger-proof fencing alongside the road and badger tunnels under the carriageway are provided where appropriate. There are examples on the M3, M25 and M40.
Badgers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the respective Secretary of State.