To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about Crown immunity in relation to the randomised badger culling trial.[67012]

The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 does not bind the Crown. Therefore, in the context of the trial, the licence requirements contained in the Act do not apply to the Minister. The trial is taking place with the agreement of landowners as part of a wide-ranging approach to dealing with an increasing and urgent bovine TB problem. It is being conducted by Ministry staff in designated areas in accordance with the recommendations of the Independent Scientific Group chaired by Professor Bourne, which take account of welfare concerns.