Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 14 June 2016.
Paul Davies, I’m very happy to repeat, I’m sure, the same words that I used last week in terms of questions on the business statement: the Welsh Government is committed, led by the Cabinet Secretary, to deliver that science-led approach to the eradication of bovine TB. Our comprehensive TB eradication programme—that is our policy, led by the Welsh Government—includes annual testing of cattle, strict biosecurity measures and movement controls. This approach, of course, is aimed at tackling all sources of infection. I again repeat those statistics: between May 2011 and November 2015—that’s the latest period for which we’ve got results—the trend in new TB incidents in Wales fell by 19 per cent. There is no sign that the supply issue regarding the BCG vaccine will be resolved in the short term. Of course, when it does become available, we will make a decision on the way forward with vaccination in Wales, and continue in terms of implementing the policies. A new TB Order came into force on 1 April, changing the way farmers are compensated for cattle slaughtered for TB, and those changes do aim to reduce the risk of the disease spreading by encouraging best practice, and that does follow a full consultation with the industry. Of course, it is a question of discussing with the farming community, which the Cabinet Secretary is undertaking, to ensure that they are fully aware of our commitment in terms of the positive approach that we’re taking with our TB eradication programme.