§ 2.38 p.m.
THE EARL OF HADDINGTONMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are aware of the serious increase of deer poaching in the Highlands of Scotland by unscrupulous gangs for commercial purposes; that this is inflicting much wanton suffering on these animals; and that the existing law is inadequate to deal with this growing menace; and whether they will consider amending the law so that a close season may be provided for deer, and that deer may be included in the definition of "game" under the Night Poaching Acts of 1828 and 1844, and the Poaching Prevention Act, 1862, respectively.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF WORKS (LORD MORRISON)My Lords, police reports which have been received from the Highland areas show that there is some killing and wounding of deer by night poachers. This question was considered by the Committee on Cruelty to Wild Animals, whose report has recently been received and will be published shortly. The Government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations of the Committee.
THE EARL OF HADDINGTONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. It is gratifying to learn that a Committee is sitting to consider the whole question of cruelty to animals. If I may ask a supplementary question, can the noble Lord make any definite statement about when this Report will be published? I may not ask him what the 35 recommendations will be, but if he can give me some indication that the Government consider that this matter is so serious that amending legislation is required soon, and particularly whether they think it important that it should be made compulsory to hold a licence to sell venison, I shall be grateful. I believe that the licensing of the sale of venison would be of great benefit in stopping this black-marketing of deer meat.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, before the noble Lord answers, may I ask another supplementary question? Is the Government aware that the cruelty inflicted on the deer population of Scotland by assaulting herds with tommy-guns and sending them away to die with bullets through the kidneys or liver and with broken legs, is probably unique? Do they not think that such cruelty deserves immediate action by the Government? This practice has just begun and it needs to be dealt with quickly.
§ LORD MORRISONI shall answer Lord Saltoun's point first. An inquiry has been sent to the chief constables of Scotland to ascertain the extent of this terrible practice. One chief constable in the far North has reported that it is somewhat widespread, but a number of other chief constables have reported that it is only occasional. In regard to the supplementary question asked by the noble Earl, Lord Haddington, may I say that I am advised that the statement that the Committee's Report will be published shortly means that it will be done within the next week or two and probably before the end of this month. In these circumstances, as the noble Earl indicated, it is difficult for me to say anything concerning the recommendations, but I can give the noble Earl the assurance that all the points mentioned in his question are dealt with in the Report, including the last point mentioned with regard to the sale of venison.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, in the interests of clarity, may I repeat my question: do not the Government believe that this situation demands immediate action? I should like to get an answer to that, if I can.
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, as I indicated in my original reply, the Report has only just been received. It is receiving attention, and will be published very soon. I can express only my own view, which is that I think some parts of the Report will necessitate legislation.
THE MARQUESS OF WILLINGDONMy Lords, I should like to ask the Government whether they are aware that the same opportunities for deer poaching and cruelty exist in England as in Scotland, and whether this Report will cover both countries. Further, can the noble Lord give us some indication of the constitution of the Committee which has been sitting?
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, the Committee appointed had as its terms of reference to inquire into the cruelty to wild animals. The Chairman of the Committee is Mr. Scott-Henderson, who is an eminent K.C. The Committee is a joint Committee for England and Scotland, appointed by the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland, and I understand that its Report will deal with both countries.