Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 15 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer of 24th June, Official Report, 333 c449W, to the honourable Member for Rochdale, if he will suspend badger culling while alternatives are considered in response to recommendation 69 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. - Inc ref to Agriculture Select Committee report "Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis" (HC 233).

Answer: Mr. Bob Russell: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 24 June 1999, Official Report, column 449, to the hon. Member for Rochdale (Lorna Fitzsimons), if he will suspend badger culling while alternatives are considered in response to recommendation 69 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. [92032] Mr. Rooker: No. The Government believes that its present strategy and actions in controlling bovine TB, including the badger culling trial, represent the best means of finding a scientifically sound and sustainable policy for the long term. The Agriculture Select Committee report "Badgers and Bovine Tuberculosis" (HC 233) endorses this view. The Government has responded to the Bern Convention recommendation explaining why the action it is pursuing is fully consistent with the provisions of the Convention.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 92032; 335 c657W;335 c659W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Badgers Cattle Diseases Disease control Bovine tuberculosis Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats