§ Lord Mancroftasked Her Majesty's Government:
What direct consultations they have held with farmers and land managers on Exmoor about the implications of a ban on deer hunting for the future of the deer herds. [HL884]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)We are aware of local concerns about the implications for the Exmoor deer herds of any ban on hunting deer with dogs. My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Rural Affairs (Alun Michael) has engaged in direct consultation with a number of representatives of relevant organisations during visits to Exmoor and at meetings held in London. A further meeting is to be arranged soon.
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§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have held any discussions with individuals or organisations about an alternative deer management scheme on Exmoor in light of the proposed ban on deer hunting. [HL915]
§ Lord WhittyMy right honourable friend the Minister of State for Rural Affairs (Alun Michael) is engaging in discussions with representatives of the organisations concerned about the future of deer management on Exmoor in the event of a ban on hunting. Meetings have taken place during visits to Exmoor and in London, and a further meeting is to be arranged soon. The Government's view is that appropriate control of deer populations can best be considered through local deer management groups. These groups operate both in areas where there is deer hunting and in other areas where there are healthy wild deer herds. Advice on setting up deer management groups is provided by the Deer Initiative, a partnership sponsored by the Forestry Commission. Partners in the initiative include Defra and English Nature, as well as forestry and agricultural interests.