§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether hunting live animals with hounds is permitted by the Crown Estates Commissioners on land in their possession, and on land owned by other Government departments; and, if so, whether early steps will be taken to bring it to an end.
§ Lord BelsteadThis is a matter for the Crown Estate Commissioners or, as appropriate, particular Government departments. I understand that all Crown Estate farmland is let, that under the terms of the leases, hunting rights are reserved to the Crown and that the Commissioners do not permit hunting with hounds on these lands. Comprehensive information in regard to land held by Government departments is not available centrally. The Government have no plans to ban field sports.