§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to consult the Association of Chief Police Officers on the enforcement of each of the alternatives set out in the Hunting Bill; and if he will place their responses in the Library. [148305]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Association of Chief Police Officers were shown an early draft of the Bill and consulted about the options. The Association made a number of detailed comments on the proposals contained in the three options, set out in a letter of 4 December. They also issued a Press Release, dated 24 January, saying that while it is too early to reach a final view on the resource implications of any of the options, if hunting is banned, they do not anticipate a significant additional burden on the service, over and above its current commitment. Copies of both documents will be placed in the Library.
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