Written question asked by Bill Wiggin (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 October 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the negotiations between the Government and outside contractors regarding the backlog of cattle TB testing.

Answer: Mr. Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the negotiations between the Government and outside contractors regarding the backlog of cattle TB testing. [73731] Mr. Morley: TB testing is carried out by the State Veterinary Service (including Local Veterinary Inspectors); there are no plans to change these arrangements. Contractors are being employed to help with the survey of badgers killed in road traffic accidents and negotiations are continuing with contractors over reducing the backlog in ``TB99'' epidemiological questionnaires.

Secondary information