§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he decided to rescind the licence of the Royal Artillery Hunt; what consultation he had with(a) the general staff at HQ Land Command, Wilton and (b) the Royal Artillery Hunt; and when he will relicense the hunt; [41180]
(2) if he will list the licences which he has rescinded since 1 May 1997 in respect of hunting with hounds on his Department's land; and if he will make a statement. [41179]
§ Mr. SpellarThree multi-year licences have been rescinded since 1 May 1997 in accordance with our policy of harmonising the issue of all hunting licences across the Defence Estate; this process is due to complete by the end of the month. The licences rescinded so far covered the Royal Artillery Hunt, the Avon Vale Hunt, and the South Wiltshire Hunt. The policy of harmonisation was explained to the hunts concerned in the notices of cancellation. Applications for new licences for the 1998–99 season, incorporating standard terms and conditions, will be considered in August from those hunts who have traditionally held licences or enjoyed such rights.