HL Deb 26 June 1981 vol 421 c1237
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they still expect to introduce proposals for the updating of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 in the next parliamentary Session.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Belstead)

My Lords, the Government intend to update the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876 when parliamentary time permits. Its proposals for carrying this forward will be announced at the appropriate time.

Lord Houghton of Sowerby

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether it is a question of when parliamentary time permits, or whether the Government are waiting for the outcome of the deliberations in the Council of Europe? My Question is asking whether the Government intend to press on notwithstanding difficulties that may arise at the Council of Europe.

Lord Belstead

My Lords, the answer to both parts of that supplementary is, yes; we are waiting for a conclusion of the proceedings in the Council of Europe and we shall then, of course, need legislative time.

Lord Leatherland

My Lords, are we to understand that the measure, when it is introduced, will not place any ban on foxhunting?

Lord Belstead

I think we must wait and see how we go, my Lords.

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