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Badgers

Volume 205: debated on Friday 6 March 1992

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To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions are being made by his Department for the construction of badger crossings.

The provision of badger crossings on trunk roads in England is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.

Our aim, where possible, is to design trunk roads to avoid interfering with badgers. Where setts or runs may be affected advice is obtained from English Nature and local badger groups about steps to be taken to move badgers or maintain their runs. Badger-proof fencing alongside the road and badger culverts under the carriageway are provided where appropriate.

The Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are responsible for the provision of badger crossings on roads for which they are the highway authority. For local roads, responsibility lies with the relevant local highway authority.