§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking in respect of developing a vaccine to protect badgers and cattle from TB. [44796]
§ Mr. RookerThe Krebs report concluded that the development of a vaccine for cattle was the best long-term prospect for the control of bovine TB, but saw a badger vaccine as an alternative option if cattle vaccine requirements cannot be met. Following the publication of the report, we have reviewed our research requirements for bovine TB, and in April published a document inviting proposals. These include work to develop a cattle vaccine and to take forward work on a badger vaccine which started in 1994. If suitable proposals are forthcoming, contracts will be awarded for work to start in April 1999.