§ Lord Cheshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the countryside rally on 10 July; whether they consider that the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill would create "work to welfare" in the countryside; and whether they will hold a referendum amongst country people on the effects of the Bill.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The Government manifesto commitment is to allow a free vote on whether there should be a ban on hunting with hounds. The Private Member's Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill is now before Parliament.
The effect of any hunting ban on employment in the countryside will need to be addressed. There are no plans to hold a referendum on the effects of the Bill.