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ELECTION 2011: Preseli candidates' badger cull views aired

WESTERN TELEGRAPH
23 April 2011

The four Preseli Pembrokeshire Assembly candidates have given their views on the proposed badger cull.

Terry Mills, Labour, and Bob Kilmister, Lib Dem, who opposed the cull, attended a meeting called by Pembrokeshire Against the Cull last week. Paul Davies, Conservative, and Rhys Sinnett, Plaid Cymru, who both support the cull, did not attend, but issued statements.

Rhys Sinnett: “I believe that it is the only way to ensure that the disease is brought under control in an area which has suffered dreadfully from this problem, and I also believe that it is significant that the proposal has the support of all parties at the National Assembly.

“However, thought should be given to avoiding the forced entry of contractors to land where the owners do not wish to take part in the cull. I am concerned about social cohesion in some areas, given the level to which feelings have already risen.

“We must act to ensure that we have a healthy farming sector and a healthy badger population in the years ahead.”

Bob Kilmister: “I have come to the conclusion that the proposed cull is wrong and have said that for some considerable time

“I think the TB test is totally flawed, a reactor does not mean the animal has TB, but it means the animal will be slaughtered.

“We are going to get people coming in to this area and tacking direct action. It will pitch landowner against landowner, and cause social divisiveness.

“I’m concerned about the effect on tourism, we are going to damage that without a shadow of a doubt.

“The oral vaccine is the way forward, and we need to invest in it.

“I oppose this and would continue to oppose this if elected.”

Terry Mills: “This is bad science. Elin Jones wants to show the farmers she is doing something, and this is the way she is doing it.

“There are other ways to do it, the cull is not the answer.

“It will harm tourism and social cohesion. It will be them and us, it should not be and it does not need to be.

“We need to work together, there are ways to do it through vaccination, not through culling 14,00 badgers.

“I believe the badger cull and the science is unsound and we should not be proceeding with it.

“I am totally opposed to the badger cull and will remain so whatever the decision of the people of Preseli Pembrokeshire is.”

Paul Davies: “I believe I have been open and consistent on this issue and my opinion has not changed.

“I have also made representations to the minister for rural affairs on behalf of constituents who have opposed the cull and I have corresponded with several constituents both for and against the cull who have contacted me.

“I am sure that we all want to see both the cattle and badger population in Wales free from TB and I believe that the Welsh Assembly’s bTb eradication package will significantly contribute to this goal.”

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