TUESDAY 16 MARCH 1999

MR BRIAN DICKINSON, MR JIM SCUDAMORE, DR CHRIS CHEESEMAN and DR GLYN HEWINSON

  660. So these extra resources are critical?
  (Mr Dickinson) I am not quite sure what you mean by saying extra resources are critical. I am sorry, I said an external audit was being put in, but that, in itself, does not entail a great deal of extra resources, in itself. What matters, I think, is that we have ourselves as well organised as we should and that we are using resources sensibly.

  661. We are keeping the Minister waiting and I think probably this may be even better addressed to the Minister. One last, quick pair of questions from me; very brief. Do you have a view on mineral deficiency in cattle as a contributory factor to tuberculosis development?
  (Mr Dickinson) I think we have an open mind.

  662. You are also doing work on mineral deficiency in badgers; now if that work concludes that mineral deficiency in badgers causes increased incidence of tuberculosis, how does that advance our cause; we are already giving them chocolate-flavoured peanuts, are we going to start giving them vitamin pills as well?
  (Mr Dickinson) I think, when it comes to mineral deficiency in badgers, firstly, we do not know enough about it; secondly, I would hesitate to say that feeding supplements is ever going to be a solution to any problems.

  663. To badgers or . . .
  (Mr Dickinson) Badgers, or anyone else.

  664. That brings us back to another inquiry report, which I am not prepared to relate this morning. Gentlemen, thank you very much indeed for your time and trouble. We are grateful to you. Thank you.