asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, as part of his policy to try to eradicate tuberculosis in cattle, he will now initiate a country-wide test to establish those areas where badgers are believed to be free of infection.

We investigate badger populations only as part of our responsibilities for eradicating bovine tuberculosis from cattle. Hence, there would be no justification for a country-wide survey of badgers. However, since 1976 my Department has undertaken to collect and examine badger carcases reported by members of the public in all parts of the country. The results of these examinations are published in my Department's annual reports on bovine tuberculosis in badgers.