§ 23 Page 11, leave out lines 40 to 44.
§
24 Page 12, leave out lines 12 to 19 and insert—
'(3) Notwithstanding anything in section 9, an authorised person shall not be guilty of an offence by reason of the killing or injuring of a wild animal included in Schedule 5 if he shows that his action was necessary for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or any other form of property or to fisheries.'.
§ The Earl of AvonMy Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendments No. 23 and 24. The purpose of these amendments is to make three changes. First, I shall deal with two relatively minor matters. In Clause 10 we are proposing that the defence be restricted to authorised persons only—primarily the owner and occupier and any person authorised by them. The second change is to include the term "foodstuffs for livestock" so there is no doubt such items can be protected. The third change that would be effected by these amendments is the replacement of Clause 10(3) by Amendment No. 28.
§ Moved, that this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(The Earl of Avon.)
§ Lord Stanley of AlderleyMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for this particular amendment as I was worried over the foodstuffs side earlier on.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.