Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 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, what was the cost of the research project, irreversible immunocontraception for the control of wild rabbits; and what was the proposed delivery method of the contraceptive.- Including figures and ref to Medicines Act 1986.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of the research project, irreversible immunocontraception for the control of wild rabbits; and what was the proposed delivery method of the contraceptive. [75625] Mr. Rooker: The cost was £178,000. The delivery method under consideration for the species-specific immunocontraceptive was an oral bait. Work is continuing on this topic under the project: "Antigen delivery systems for the control of wild rabbits". If an immunocontraceptive is developed, it will have to be approved under the Medicines Act 1986 and careful consideration will need to be given to all the issues surrounding its use.

Secondary information