§ 9. Mr. James Clappison (Hertsmere)What recent representations he has received about hunting with dogs in Wales. [126702]
§ The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Paul Murphy)I have received no representations about hunting with dogs in Wales. Together with my Whitehall colleagues, I am taking a keen interest in developments on these issues and I of course am sensitive to the reactions of the Welsh rural community to this matter.
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Secretary of State spoke earlier about the details of the Burns report. What thought has he given to the conclusions of the Burns report as to how difficult it would be to control fox numbers in the upland areas of Wales in the absence of hunting with dogs as it is carried on in Wales? What message does he have for farmers who are worried about their stock, and who face a difficult enough time already?
§ Mr. MurphyConservative Members know that there will be debate on that matter in the House of Commons in a week or so. The hon. Gentleman will be able to express his views then. On the question of pest control in Wales, the hon. Gentleman knows that, in Wales particularly, the farmers themselves flush out foxes with dogs, and he is also fully aware that other methods that are used in Wales could control pests, including foxes. It is not just hunting with hounds that can control foxes. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman also knows that the great bulk of Members of Parliament in Wales—and, for that 897 matter, as far as we know, Members of the National Assembly—do not believe that hunting with foxes—[HON. MEMBERS: "Foxes?]—is a good idea.