To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was (a) planned for and (b) spent on dealing with avian influenza in 2005-06; and what the figures are for 2006-07. (101076)

In 2005-06, approximately £9 million was spent on the prevention and control of avian influenza (AI).

For 2006-07, DEFRA anticipates spending up to £19 million on the prevention and control of AI. This includes preparedness measures and outbreak costs. However, this figure is subject to on-going review. To the end of October 2006 we had spent £9 million.