§ 21. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to call the attention of all farmers to the cruelty entailed in the shooting of deer with unsuitable weapons or ammunition, or at ranges which are too great, or by inexpert shooters, and in failing to follow up and dispatch wounded deer.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend thinks most farmers are already aware of this, but he will certainly do what he can to remind them of these points.
§ Mr. ChampionI hope that the Minister will press this matter, because there have been distressing reports of animals being wounded and left to die and being found in maggot-ridden condition.
§ Mr. GodberWe would certainly deplore that. If the hon. Gentleman will give us details of such cases, we will try to follow them up where we can.
§ Mr. PagetWould not the Minister agree that shooting inevitably involves a percentage of wounded and is always much crueller?
§ Mr. GodberThat might well be the case, but I cannot be drawn into question and answer on the relative values of shooting and hunting.
§ 22. Mr. Championasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will instruct pests officers to ensure that, when deer drives are organised, only competent shots shall take part, that unsuitable weapons and ammunition shall not be used, that supervision shall be in the hands of an experienced shot, that wounded animals shall be followed up with tracker dogs and humanely dispatched, and that all concerned shall be instructed in the steps requisite for ensuring a minimum of cruelty.
§ Mr. GodberPests officers seldom organise drives against deer, but when they do, steps are taken on the lines suggested to avoid cruelty. My right hon. Friend will gladly remind them of the points mentioned by the hon. Member.