§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in how many bovine TB triplet study areas badger culling has(a) begun and (b) been suspended; and how many study areas he expects to commence in 1999. [96067]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 1 November 1999]: Five triplets have been announced so far, two in 1998 and three in 1999. Culling has taken place in two of them. Operations are temporarily suspended in two others. We expect to announce one more before the end of 1999.