HC Deb 18 February 1971 vol 811 cc2108-9
23. Mr. William Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation to ban fox hunting.

Mr. Carlisle

No, Sir.

Mr. Price

In view of the Government's claim to be acting in accordance with public wishes on other matters, is it not time that they extended that policy to blood sports to which there is clear and overwhelming opposition? How long are Governments, both Labour and Conservative, to hide behind the miserable excuse that this is a matter for private Members?

Mr. Carlisle

I am happy to say that I do not have to speak for the Labour Government, particularly for the behaviour of the previous Administration. So far as this Government are concerned, we do not intend to legislate in this matter.