HC Deb 16 July 1998 vol 316 c308W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what testing of badgers in TB affected areas is currently taking place. [50667]

Mr. Rooker

Although new badger removal operations have now ceased, we are still testing some of the badger carcases which have been removed. Additionally, in areas of TB incidents, where it is felt that this would provide valuable epidemiological evidence, some carcases of badgers which are found dead are tested.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by area the number of herd breakdowns caused by bovine TB since January 1997. [50666]

Mr. Rooker

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) on 3 July 1998,Official Report, columns 318–20. I will write to my hon. Friend with the information relating to the first six months of 1998 when I have it.