§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Army personnel who hunt in duty hours use privately-owned horses and equipment.
§ Mr. FreemanThe use of privately owned horses and equipment is permitted.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Army personnel who hunt in off-duty hours are permitted to use Government property.
§ Mr. FreemanYes. Army equipment lent to an individual for participation in a sport is on the basis that there is no additional cost to public funds. In certain cases it is necessary for the individual or club to take out insurance to cover against loss or damage.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on how many occasions since December 1986 Army personnel have been engaged in fox hunting in duty hours;
(2) on how many occasions since December 1986 Army personnel have engaged in deer hunting in duty hours.
§ Mr. FreemanI have nothing further to add to the answer I gave the hon. Lady on 22 March 1988 at column114.