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Mr. Tony Banks
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what instructions his Department's badger control teams are given about their rights to enter private land without the permission of the owner.
Mrs. Fenner
Where a badger investigation commences involving the taking and killing of badgers on land outside the statutory control areas of south-west England signed voluntary agreements must be obtained from the occupier before the teams enter on to the land. In control areas the teams have powers of compulsory entry on to land in respect of certain operations but wherever possible the occupier's co-operation and consent is obtained. The goodwill and co-operation of all landowners is essential and the teams are instructed to maintain this at all times.