§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he intends to take to ensure that licences issued under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 do not lead to indiscriminate violation of badger setts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 12 December.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 28 November,Official Report, column 650, what serious risk was involved in the circumstances which led to the granting of a licence under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991; if the licence was issued to one named individual only; what conditions he attached to that licence; what action was taken under the licence; what steps he has taken to ensure that the licence conditions were complied with; and if he has yet formulated the criteria under which future licences will be issued.
§ Mr. MacleanThe licence issued by this Ministry under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 permitted a named individual to use exclusion techniques for a period of three weeks to prevent a badger digging into and undermining flood defence banking. This action was necessary in order to prevent the risk of flooding. A full report of action taken will be submitted on completion of the work. The criteria under which future licences will be issued will be decided after the consultation exercise is completed.