West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer has put the Government on the spot over bovine tuberculosis.

Sir Michael tabled seven parliamentary questions to Margaret Beckett MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, demanding the publication for incidences of TB in badgers and cows in England and Wales.

He also asked for the publication of the numbers of cattle slaughtered in the past five years, as part of the campaign against the disease.

The move followed talks between the MP and the Upton-upon-Severn branch of the National Farmers' Union on Friday, April 25.

"There's no doubt that the incidence of TB in cattle is growing at a fast rate in Worcestershire and elsewhere," said Sir Michael.

"This is causing considerable anxiety to farmers. For some time the Government has been promising to complete the research into the impact of bovine TB in badgers on cattle.

"It's essential that the conclusions of this research are published as soon as possible."

Incidences of bovine TB in the UK have soared over recent years and a Government strategy to combat the disease is currently being consulted on.