Oral answer to question provided on Thursday, 22 July 2010 in the House of Lords, by Lord Henley (Conservative).

Bovine Tuberculosis

Answer: My Lords, we have every intention of attacking the problem vigorously, but whatever we do will be based on the science that is put before us. We will make sure that we understand that science and act on it.

This is an answer to the Oral question asked on Thursday, 22 July 2010 by Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior (Conservative).

Question: My Lords, in the late 1940s and early 1950s, a rigorous attack was made on bovine TB, consisting of the double intradermal test, strict regulation of movement of cattle, the attested herd scheme and the TT scheme for milk production. I had the pleasure of participating in that as a young vet. We very nearly eliminated TB from the United Kingdom. It was only when it got into wildlife and badgers in particular that it went astray. Does the Minister agree that an even more rigorous campaign to attack TB in cattle is now necessary, because it is causing great harm to most producers?

Secondary information