§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many letters, postcards or other communications they or the Forestry Commission have received in the last two years from people who live in or near the New Forest, requesting that the Forestry Commission refuse to renew licences that allow the hunting of deer with dogs in the New Forest.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)Some 65 letters and 2,800 pre-printed postcards have been received during this period calling for deer hunting to be banned in the New Forest. In addition, four petitions carrying a total of some 5,000 signatures were received.