asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will outline the total number of animals (i) which have proved inconclusive under the TB eradication programme in 1960, 1970, 1980, 1983 and 1984; (ii) which were re-tested and passed the test; (iii) which were disposed of in the factories and proved positive: the total amount of ex gratia payments made to the owners of these animals after they had been slaughtered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bovine TB Eradication.
631.
It is not possible from available records to let the Deputy have the precise information requested for all of the years in question. Following are the required details in so far as records exist:
(i) Under the 1983 programme of testing (1 February 1983 to 31 January 1984) a total of 25,118 animals gave an inconclusive reaction to the TB test. Comparative figures for the 1984 programme (which terminated on 11 February 1985) are not yet to hand.
(ii) Approximately 90 per cent of inconclusive animals passed a re-test in 1983. It is expected that 1984 figures, when available, will show a similar pattern.
(iii) Separate figures are not available in respect of inconclusive animals which showed visible lesions but totals of ex-gratia payments made in 1980, 1983 and 1984 in respect of non-reactor animals which showed visible lesions were £1,200, £4,170 and £28,302 respectively.