Bovine TB and Badger Control

Bill Wiggin Excerpts
Tuesday 23rd October 2012

(11 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I can give the hon. Lady an accurate reply after the statement. The team in each pilot area is made up of roughly 60 people and the firearms licences had to be amended. I am happy to get back to her with the exact number.

Bill Wiggin Portrait Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con)
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Cattle owners like me will respect the Secretary of State for taking the advice of the NFU. However, will he take this opportunity to look at the compensation tables, which are causing so much misery to cattle owners who are receiving less than it costs to replace their cattle?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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My hon. Friend touches on a fraught area. I have cattle breeders in my patch who are producing the most wonderful pedigree cattle of the highest standard and getting adequate compensation is a constant problem. At the moment, we are paying the market rate, but I am happy to discuss the matter with him.