HC Deb 28 October 1947 vol 443 c688
41. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether it is his intention to prohibit all forms of hunting and other methods of unnecessary destruction of animal and bird life in national, nature or reserved areas and in the national parks as proposed in the recently-issued Report on the Conservation of Nature.

Mr. King

Consideration is being given to the recommendations on this subject of the National Parks Committee and the Special Committee on Wild Life Conservation. They do not, however, suggest that the main responsibility should rest wholly with the Minister of Town and Country Planning.

Colonel Clarke

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in their Report upon national parks, the Committee, speaking in appreciation of the Lake District, actually say: Visitors are increasingly sharing and enjoying the traditional sports and pastimes of the country. Chief among these is fox hunting on foot "?

Mr. Freeman

Will my hon. Friend do his best to protect wild life in those areas?

Mr. King

Among the recommendations in the Committee's Report is one that this matter should be considered by the Committee, and in the case of national parks by local committees.