18. To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cattle diagnosed with bovine tuberculosis were slaughtered in the most recent month for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. (296320)

19. To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cattle were slaughtered following a diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in the most recent month for which figures are available. (296321)

In July 2009 2,350 cattle in GB were slaughtered as TB reactors or inconclusive reactors. A further 45 were slaughtered as direct contacts.

It should be remembered that TB is a chronic disease, and as such, the long-term trend is more significant than looking at any short-term trends.