Bovine TB

Karen Bradley Excerpts
Tuesday 19th July 2011

(12 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Caroline Spelman Portrait Mrs Spelman
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To be clear, I do not have a romanticised notion either. Like anyone who loves nature, I love the badgers too, but we must be clear about the humaneness and efficacy of what we are discussing. As regards new science, the science published since 2007 by Christl Donnelly and peer reviewed is an important factor in the decision. On the compensation, if farmers do not get their cattle regularly tested in a timely fashion, as they are required to do, they will have their compensation reduced. This is a balanced package and people must take responsibility. The farming industry has shown its willingness to do that and I commend this balanced package to the House.

Karen Bradley Portrait Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con)
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Will the Secretary of State expand on the criteria that will be used for granting a culling licence, and can she confirm that licences will be granted only when the recipient has a clear commitment to acting in a humane and safe way?