§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has concerning the number of badgers and the current number of active badger setts in Wales; how many such setts have been destroyed during the last three years; and for what reasons.
§ Mr. David HuntI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Environment and Countryside on 7 March, column242–43.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken during the last five years to ensure the protection of the badger population and active badger setts in Wales from damaging forestry operations.
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§ Mr. David HuntBadger setts are not on the whole vulnerable to damage from forestry operations, since they are characteristically large, subterranean and in well-drained soils. The Forestry Commission nevertheless endeavours to locate all the badger setts on its land so that they can be protected from any possible damage. It has also published forest nature conservation guidelines, for use by its own forest managers and those in the private sector, which emphasise the importance of good management in protecting animal populations.