Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the latest information is on cattle restrictions in the area north of Helmsley, North Yorkshire; and if she will make a statement.

Following all bovine TB incidents in the Low Risk Area of England, which are infrequent and sporadic, rigorous disease controls are applied. These include herd movement restrictions, whole herd testing and radial testing of surrounding herds. Though burdensome for affected farmers, these controls are necessary if we are to prevent further spread of bovine TB into new areas, as is the case in Helmsley.