§ 8. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations have been received from the Country Landowners' Association, National Farmers' Union, Agricultural Workers' Union, or other bodies, concerning armed trespass and the indiscriminate slaughter of wild life; and what are his proposals in this regard.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe National Farmers' Union wrote last month to a number of bodies, including my Department, suggesting that there should be created a new criminal offence of entering any land without lawful authority or excuse while in possession of a gun or ammunition or discharging a gun over any land without lawful authority or excuse. My right hon. Friend is considering their letter, in consultation with the representatives of chief officers of police, and it would be premature for me to express any view at this stage.