HC Deb 20 December 1965 vol 722 cc1661-2
10. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources why he encourages stag-hunting and fox-hunting on Forestry Commission land in the Quantocks rather than using other methods of control.

Mr. Willey

I neither encourage nor discourage stag-hunting and fox-hunting, which are traditional in this area. A ban on hunting on Commission land would have no material effect on hunting in the Quantocks.

Mr. Lipton

Is it not deplorable, and, indeed, scandalous, that the Government should exploit the revolting pastime of stag-hunting for the purpose of animal control on this part of the Forestry Commision's estates? Will he not reconsider this decision in view of the fact that on other estates of the Forestry Commission, he introduces his own staff who follow much more civilised and humane methods of animal control?

Mr. Willey

Of course. I will certainly reconsider it, but we have to leave the Forestry Commission to follow rules of good estate management. The question of blood sports as a whole is, of course, a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.