§ Lord Donoughueasked Her Majesty's Government:
Given that the Burns Report quotes evidence that there are 198 packs of foxhounds, harriers and fellhounds, totalling around 16,000 hounds, what measures they propose to find homes for these hounds if a ban on hunting is introduced; and [HL4678]
Whether, in the event that a ban on hunting is introduced, they are content that a significant number of redundant hounds may be killed; and [HL4679]
What evidence there is, should attempts be made to replace hunting with drag hunting, that hounds accustomed to following fox scent will not deviate from the drag if a fox is smelled; and [HL4680]
Whether they will conduct research to discover what hunts will do with redundant hounds if a ban on hunting is introduced; and [HL4681]
What measures they will propose, if a ban on hunting is introduced, to ensure the future welfare of the 16,000 hounds currently in packs: and whether 89WA they will pledge financial support towards providing such welfare; and [HL4682]
Whether they have asked the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals whether it has the resources to find homes for up to 16,000 hounds. [HL4683]
§ Lord WhittyMy right honourable friend the Minister of State for Rural Affairs (Alun Michael) made a Statement to the House of Commons on 21 March on how he intends to proceed on hunting with dogs. He has invited evidence and representations on all relevant considerations and will be taking responses into account in drawing up draft legislation for Parliament to consider.