Hunting

HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc351-3W

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will announce which officials will conduct the review of hunting on Ministry of Defence land; [7917]

(2) when he will announce who will give evidence to those conducting the reviews (a) of hunting on MOD land and (b) of hunting on Forestry Commission land. [7865]

Mr. Spellar

The investigation into hunting with hounds on Ministry of Defence land, and the consequences of stopping such hunting, is being carried out by officials in the Defence Estate Organisation. This is an internal review which will take into account those representations received from all interested parties.

The review of hunting on Forestry Commission land is a matter for the Forestry Commission.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which officials will be involved in the review of hunting on his Department's land; [8847]

(2) who will be invited to give evidence to his review of hunting on his Department's land. [8846]

(3) when he expects to publish the conclusions and evidence of the review of hunting on Ministry of Defence land. [8840]

Mrs. Ballard

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the review of hunting on his Department's land will be completed; what is the composition of the body undertaking it; and what are its terms of reference. [8728]

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) who will give evidence to the review of hunting on his Department's land; [10286]

(2) which officials will carry out the review of hunting on his Department's land; [10283]

(3) what factors led him to conduct a review of hunting on his Department's land. [10285]

Mr. Spellar

I refer the hon. Members to the reply that I gave today to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock).

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received from(a) supporters and (b) opponents of hunting on the subject of hunting on Ministry of Defence land; and if he will list them. [8839]

Mr. Spellar

A substantial number of representations has been received both from supporters and from opponents of hunting on Ministry of Defence land. In the absence of their permission to do so, I do not propose to list the names of those individuals who have made such representations.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he estimates the review of hunting on Ministry of Defence land will cost his Department. [8845]

Mr. Spellar

The review of hunting on Ministry of Defence land and the consequences of stopping such hunting is being conducted by MOD officials as a part of their continuing duties.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received from farmers with land adjoining Ministry of Defence land concerning co-operation agreements if hunting is banned; [8841]

(2) what assessment he has made of the potential impact on the armed services if co-operation agreements with farmers of land adjoining Ministry of Defence land were withdrawn following the banning of hunting. [8842]

Mr. Spellar

We have received a number of representations from those with land adjoining or near Ministry of Defence land, concerning continued co-operation with the Military if a decision were taken not to renew licences for fox hunting with hounds on Ministry of Defence land.

We greatly value the excellent relations the armed forces have with landowners throughout the country, and are assessing these responses as part of the review currently being conducted.

Mr. Clifton-Brown

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons a review of hunting on his Department's land has been commenced; and when it will be conducted. [8844]

Mr. Spellar

The Government came into power with a commitment to allow a free parliamentary vote on hunting with hounds. Against this background, we wish to ascertain the extent to which Ministry of Defence land is used for hunting and what the consequences would be of ending such use. This investigation is not yet complete, but taking full and proper account of the legal issues involved and the fact that it would be wrong to anticipate the outcome of the parliamentary process, the current situation will be allowed to continue. Licences for fox hunting on Ministry of Defence land for the 1997–98 hunting season will be renewed on application. These will be limited to hunts which have traditionally held such licences and the scope and area covered by the licences will not be extended. These licences will contain a termination clause on one month's notice.