§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide details and dates in each year since 1989 when the Household Cavalry participated in foxhunting or deer hunting and with which hunts.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonDetails and dates in each year since 1989 when members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment took part in fox hunting are set out in the table. No additional costs to public funds were incurred as a result of this activity.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has not participated in any deer hunt since 1989.
Date Quorn Hunt Belroir Hunt Cottesmore Hunt October 1989 4 2 1 November 1989 8 9 2 December 1989 9 8 — January 1990 8 8 5 February 1990 7 8 3 March 1990 1 1 — September 1990 — 2 — October 1990 9 9 2 November 1990 6 6 3 December 1990 4 5 2 January 1991 6 5 — February 1991 6 5 — March 1991 — 1 —
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made for members of the armed forces, in non-mounted units, to hunt in duty hours.
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§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPersonnel in non-mounted units are not normally permitted to hunt in duty hours. However, in exceptional circumstances and at the commanding officer's discretion it may be permitted provided there is no detriment to military tasks.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for defence what provision is made for members of the armed forces to hunt in duty hours.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMembers of mounted regiments and other military personnel who have an official requirement to ride are authorised to ride during duty hours as a means of acquiring or perfecting equestrian skills. They may participate in a range of equestrian activities including hunting.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether army personnel are permitted to use Ministry of Defence equipment in off-duty hours.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonArmy personnel are permitted to use MOD equipment in off-duty hours normally on payment of hire charges.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of transporting horses and riders to hunting meets in each year since 1989.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe costs of transporting horses and riders to hunting meets cannot be readily identified. Where horses are used by Army personnel for hunting outside normal duty, the transport costs fall to the individual.