THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked Her Majesty's Government if they will state the reason why they have up to now procrastinated on the question of introducing legislation for a close season for red deer, and the efficient control of their numbers, particularly considering that all the interests concerned are agreed upon the urgent necessity for such a measure; and whether, in view of the continuing mass slaughter of deer by poachers in the Highlands, under conditions involving extreme cruelty to many of the victims, they will now take immediate steps to remedy the position.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD STRATHCLYDE)Her Majesty's Government have been giving careful consideration to all the aspects of the deer problem in Scotland mentioned by the noble Lord; as announced by my right honourable friend658WA in another place yesterday, they have now accepted in principle the proposals put forward in a joint report by the interested organisations, and intend, when Parliamentary time permits, to introduce legislation making provision for the prevention of poaching of deer, introducing close seasons for red deer and setting up a commission with powers to further the conservation and control of red deer.