§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consult the Coalition for Badgers before finalising his criteria for the issue of licences under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991.
§ Mr. MacleanYes.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those persons and organisations he has consulted in considering the criteria under which section 4 licences may be issued under the Badgers Act 1991; and if he will publish a summary of the views each interest presented to him.
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§ Mr. MacleanThe consultation exercise on licensing under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 has not yet taken place; the consultation document is to be issued shortly. It is the standard procedure in such consultations to make available to the public all responses received unless specifically requested not to do so by the respondent.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that any licences issued under section 4 of the Badgers Act 1991 take into acount the rules of the National Working Terrier Federation on interference with badger setts.
§ Mr. MacleanI refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 12 December,Official Report, column 550.