Bovine TB and Badger Control

Debate between Owen Paterson and Seema Malhotra

Tuesday 23rd October 2012 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op)]

My hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Clive Efford) asked how much public money has been spent so far on this misguided cull. Will the Minister confirm what proportion of this year’s expenditure will need to be spent again next year?

[Mr Paterson]

I cannot give the hon. Lady an exact answer because it obviously depends on how many cattle sadly fall to this disease. All I can say is that we have seen a steadily climbing trend in recent years, and unless we get on top of the disease, we will head towards a bill of £1 billion.