Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Monday, 9 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 January 2006. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 16 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Tuberculosis Test

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what circumstances her Department would not approve the use of a private tuberculin test; and in how many cases the use of such a test has been refused in the last two years.

Answer: In the case of statutory tuberculin testing of cattle, any request to release tuberculin for a further private test will always be declined by the Department. Approval for private tests is generally granted in the context of a test for purchaser assurance, or as a condition for cattle export in herds not subjected to tuberculosis restrictions.Information on the number of applications for private tests rejected by the state veterinary service is not held by the Department.

Secondary information