§ 27. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the bonus paid to employees of the National Forestry Commission for fox brushes has been withdrawn; and why they have been instructed not to kill foxes.
Mr. AmoryThe bonus has been withdrawn in some areas where it is agreed that foxes can be effectively kept down by the local hunt.
§ Mr. HaymanMay I ask the Minister for an assurance that his Ministry will not preserve foxes for fox hunting?
Mr. AmoryI think the hon. Member will agree that in many parts of the country fox hunting is quite an efficient way of keeping down the foxes, though I would add that in the days when I was a master of foxhounds I found them uncommonly difficult to catch.
§ Sir H. StudholmeIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the South Tetcott country, which is in my constituency, where such an arrangement has been arrived at, nearly all the farmers who support the hunt appear to be quite satisfied?
Mr. AmoryI hope that my hon. Friend will invite me down to satisfy myself in person that this is happening and that the foxes are being caught.