§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of the Randomised Badger Culling trial; [108571]
(2) how many of the badger culling trials are fully operational. [108572]
§ Ms QuinSix triplets have so far been enrolled into the badger culling trial. Culling has taken place in three of these, and surveying has started in the others. Work is currently suspended in one triplet. We expect to announce the remaining triplets this year.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of TB compensation paid to farmers(a) within the Krebs Trial areas and (b) outside the trial areas during 1998–99; and what is his provision for compensation payments in (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02. [108377]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 3 February 2000]: The cost of TB compensation paid within the Krebs trial areas is not separately recorded.
The TB compensation paid to farmers in England in 1998–99 amounted to £3.775 million. The estimated outturn for 1999–2000 is £5.0 million, and the provisional allocation for 2000–01 is £5.99 million. The provision for 2001–02 has yet to be determined.