To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Jane Kennedy, on 15 December 2008 (Official Report, House of Commons, col. 321W), what the budget is for the Bovine TB Eradication Group for this year and next; and what additional support it receives from Defra. [HL4057]

The provisional forecast budget for the Bovine TB Eradication Group for England for the 2009-10 financial year is £50,000; and the provisional forecast budget for the 2010-11 financial year is £37,000. The difference in the forecasts is due to the expected change in the frequency of meetings: from fortnightly to once a month.

The additional support provided by Defra includes the contribution from the four Defra members of the group; a co-ordinator to run and organise meetings; and the preparation and input of information and expertise to assist the members in taking forward their work plan. This support is funded from Defra's administration budget.