To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he last discussed policy on badger culling with representatives of the Welsh Assembly Government. (259990)

The Secretary of State last discussed bovine tuberculosis (TB) and badger culling with Elin Jones, the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Rural Affairs, in November 2008 when they met at the EU Agriculture Council.

Although responsibility for bovine TB is fully devolved the disease is a high priority for Governments in England and Wales. Officials in DEFRA are in regular contact with those in the Welsh Assembly Government on matters related to the disease and its control.