§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents there have been where his Department's field staff in the randomised badger culling trial have been(a) threatened and (b) assaulted. [91712]
§ Mr. RookerIt would not be appropriate to release this information for operational and security reasons.
The safety of staff is the Department's paramount concern, and we take very seriously any incident where this is put at risk. The Department is committed to supporting prosecutions in the event of damage to property or threats to, and attacks on, staff.
The Government are committed to the field trial as an important part of their comprehensive research and control strategy to tackle TB in cattle. The strategy, including the trial, is based on the best independent scientific advice. The aim is to place future TB policy on an effective and sustainable scientific footing. Disruption of the trial risks delaying its results and so helps neither badgers nor cattle.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons badger culling in the randomised culling trial has not started in the proactive area of the triplet in the Forest of Dean. [91706]
498W
§ Mr. RookerA range of work is being carried out in the four triplets so far identified. For operational and security reasons it would not be appropriate to give details of specific operations.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when badger culling in the Krebs Trial started in the Hartland reactive area of the North Devon triplet. [91707]
§ Mr. RookerThe closed season for the Krebs/Bourne field trial ended on 30 April. Since then, culling has resumed in some areas. For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to give details.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many new staff have been(a) sought and (b) appointed for the randomised badger culling trial; and what procedures have been established to ensure the training of new staff. [91705]
§ Mr. RookerApproximately 60 new staff are being appointed to work on the trial, 48 are already in post and others will start work shortly. All new staff receive comprehensive training which includes a period of supervised working alongside experienced colleagues.