§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
What control is exercised by the Forestry Commission over the erection of notices on roads in the New Forest warning drivers of possible hazards when the New Forest Buckhounds are in the area; why such notices do not mention that deer and hounds may cross roads suddenly at these times; and whether it is possible that the presence or otherwise of adequate warning notices could have a bearing on insurance claims in the event of an accident.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)The erection of temporary warnings signs by the roadside is a matter for arrangement between the Masters of the Buckhounds and the police, as is the wording of the notice themselves. I have no reason to believe that these signs are inadequate.
I know of no serious road accident which has occurred, and I cannot speculate on the effect on insurance claims of the presence or absence of adequate warning notices, which would depend on the 896WA circumstances of the case and the view taken by the insurance company.