HC Deb 24 February 1989 vol 147 cc848-9W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his practice to require the Forestry Commission to secure income from the letting of all sporting rights; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

It is the practice of the Forestry Commission to let the sporting rights over land under its management where this is compatible with forestry operations and public access, and to secure a market rental for such rights.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what revenues accrure to the Forestry Commission in England from the issuing of(a) licences for fox hunting and (b) letting of other sporting rights.

Mr. Ryder

The Forestry Commission receives no income from licences for fox hunting. In the year ended 31 March 1988 it received almost £160,000 from letting other sporting rights. In addition, about £48,000 was realised from day permits for shooting and fishing.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will issue instructions to the Forestry Commission to amend its earth stoppers code, so that badger setts shall not be subject to any interference by fox hunters; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

I see no reason to issue such instructions to the Forestry Commission. Its earth stoppers code is designed so as to prevent undue interference with badger setts.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place a copy of the Forestry Commission's "Authority to Hunt" document in the Library.

Mr. Ryder

It is the Forestry Commission's policy to allow fox hunting over land where it has been traditionally carried out. Where it is considered appropriate, written permission is given and a copy of the form of permission used in the Forestry Commission's east England conservancy is being placed in the Library.