§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the percentage increase in the cost of licences to hunt on Ministry of Defence land in 1991–92; and when the cost of licences was previously increased.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonEach licence issued by my Department is costed separately. The total amount received by my Department for these licences in 1991–92 was £729.85 which represent an increase of some 973 per cent. over the amount received in 1990–91. The charge for individual licences are reviewed at different times.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those areas designated as sites of special scientific interest where his Department has issued a licence to hunt.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonMy Department has issued licences to hunt on the following areas which include sites of special scientific interest.
- Otterburn, Northumberland1
- Ash Brookwood Heaths, Surrey
- Broadmoor to Bagshot Woods and Heaths, Berkshire/Surrey
- Thursley Hankley and Frensham, Surrey
- Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
- Basingstoke Canal Eelmoor, Hampshire
- Colony Bog and Bagshot Heath, Surrey
- Conford Moor, Hampshire
- Woolmer Forest, Hampshire
1 The Otterburn Training Area includes 10 sites of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Army personnel from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, are permitted to hunt in duty hours.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPersonnel from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, are permitted to take part in beagling in duty hours, which is a recognised Army sport.