§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales concerning the backlog in processing the results of TB tests; and if he will make a statement. [68920]
Mr. MurphyThe interim programme of action to tackle TB in Wales announced on 29 May 2002 gives priority to tackling the backlog of overdue tests. The State Veterinary Service in Wales has already acted to minimise the spread of TB through the introduction of movement restrictions on herds in annual testing parishes with overdue 6 and 12-month check tests. Prioritisation has also been given to those herds with tuberculosis tests that are overdue. Significant progress has been made. In Wales the number of overdue tests has reduced from 5,135 at 30 November to 3,450 at 30 June 2002.