§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy not to issue general licences under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 to those claiming to be in pursuit of foxes; when he expects to announce his policy on the issue of section 4 licences; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThere are no powers to issue general licences under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991. I expect to issue shortly a consultation document setting out our proposals for licensing under section 4 of this Act.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that no licences under 549W section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 are issued to individuals who have been convicted of any offence of animal cruelty or any offence under wildlife protection legislation or to organisations employing people convicted of such offences.
§ Mr. MacleanIn deciding whether to issue licences under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 account will be taken of any previous convictions under the Protection of Animals Act 1991, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Badgers Act 1973.