§ 7. Mr. Championasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to institute a close season appropriate to each species of deer in Scotland, subject to the exception, in the case of deer actually causing damage, of deer killed in accordance with Sections 39–47 of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948.
§ 14. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now conic to a decision on a close season for deer.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord John Hope)The Nature Conservancy and interested Scottish organisations have submitted a joint Report on the control of deer, which recommends, among other things, the introduction of statutory close seasons. The Government are considering this Report, but have not yet reached any decision on the subject.
§ Mr. ChampionIt is with trepidation that I enter into Scottish affairs, but my justification is that I have a similar Question down to the Home Secretary, whose responsibility covers England and Wales in this respect. May I take it that consultation will take place between the Secretary of State and the Home Secretary and that together they will give especial consideration to the fact that both the majority and the minority of those who reported to the Secretary of State in 1954 were in favour of the establishment of a close season in Scotland?
§ Lord John HopeThat fact is certainly noted.
§ Sir T. MooreThis matter has been debated and discussed in another place over the last couple of years. What is the objection to a close season for these deer, and who are the objectors?
§ Lord John HopeThere is no real objection to a close season, but, as my substantive answer, I hope, explained, it is part of a broader plan. That is why there is no decision yet.