§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from Ministers outside his Department on the issue of hunting with dogs. [122698]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienInformation relating to internal discussion and consultation is not disclosed under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to bring forward a Bill, one of whose aims would be to ban hunting wild mammals with hounds. [122749]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced in the reply he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Foster) on 11 November 1999,Official Report, columns 787–88W, how the Government wished to proceed on the issue of hunting with dogs. The Government will offer reasonable time, if necessary, and drafting assistance for this issue to be considered by the House of Commons through a Private Member's Bill on a free vote.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has set the Burns inquiry a deadline for reporting; and if he will make a statement. [122750]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienIn announcing the inquiry into hunting in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Foster) on 11 November 1999,Official Report, columns 787–88W, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary stated that the inquiry will be asked to report by late spring this year.