§ 29. Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle)If hunting with hounds is allowed on Church-owned land; and if he will make a statement. [119902]
§ Mr. Stuart Bell (Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church Commissioners)The Commissioners' long-standing policy is that we allow our tenants to decide for themselves whether to allow hunts on the land which they rent from us.
§ Mr. PrenticeThat is a very disappointing reply. Why does the Church sit on the fence on this very controversial issue? The Church of England is this country's third largest landowner, yet it prevaricates. Is the Church really neutral on the issue of killing for fun? Is it okay to kill for fun?
§ Mr. BellI am very grateful to my hon. Friend for his questions. The Commissioners recognise that, both inside the Church and out, there are widely varying and strongly held views on the subject, and that all of those deserve the Commissioners' respect. However, we have existing tenancies that may not be altered unilaterally. Although it may be possible to make provisions on the matter in new tenancies, enforcement of a ban on hunting would be difficult and could undermine our relationships with tenants.
§ Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)Can the hon. Gentleman confirm that the Church Commissioners, on behalf of their tenants, have given evidence to the Burns committee on the continuation and beneficial effects on the countryside of hunting?
§ Mr. BellI cannot now give that confirmation to the hon. Lady, but I should be happy to look the matter up and send her a written reply.