HC Deb 08 June 1971 vol 818 cc853-4
25. Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give advice to the Forestry Commission, or any other public body, that it should consider refusing permission for otter hunting in areas under its control.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

My right hon. Friend's jurisdiction in this matter is confined to the Forestry Commission in England. Otter hunting on land managed by the Commission takes place on a very limited scale and he sees no need to intervene.

Mr. Hardy

Does the Minister agree that it takes place, that there is a general loathing for this practice throughout the country, and that, in view of that loathing and the fact that otters are becoming increasingly scarce, it would be useful for the Government to give the kind of lead which may encourage others to take a more generous and reasonable view of the practice?

Mr. Stodart

My information is that in England the only area involved is Dartmoor and that there is no evidence of otters becoming extinct there. Otter hunting is comparatively regular in the North of England, but not on Forestry Commission property.

Mr. John Wells

Will my hon. Friend tell us how much otter hunting takes place in the Rother Valley constituency?

Mr. Stodart

Not without notice.