HC Deb 28 February 2002 vol 380 c1512W
Mr. Cawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the government's policy on hunting with dogs. [40339]

Alun Michael

The Government intend to provide an opportunity for each House to debate a motion which will allow Members to vote for and against each of the three options which were presented to the House during the last Parliament. This will fulfil the first part of our promise by giving the House an early opportunity to express its view. We will then consider, in the light of the votes and the views expressed during the debates in both Houses, how to deliver the second part of that commitment, toenable Parliament to reach a conclusion on this issue". The Government will make a statement on the way forward before Easter in response to the debate and vote in both Houses.