§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussions they have held with the National Gamekeepers Organisation or the Campaign for Shooting about concerns expressed by both organisations that the present Hunting Bill will limit the way in which gamekeepers can use dogs to conserve game and wild birds, despite government pledges not to interfere with shooting; and [HL1578]
What advice they intend to give to the 6,000 gamekeepers who use terriers to locate and bolt foxes and mink from under ground for pest control purposes; and whether this practice will be illegal without registration. [HL1579]
§ Lord WhittyThe National Gamekeepers Organisation wrote on 9 July 2002 in response to the consultation letter sent to them by my right honourable friend the Minister for Rural Affairs, and my right honourable friend met them on 22 July to discuss their concerns, including about the use of dogs underground. I understand the organisation, Campaign for Shooting, is part of the Countryside Alliance, with whom my right honourable friend has been in regular contact.
Under the provisions of the Hunting Bill a person intending to use a dog underground will be required to make an application for registration. An applicant would have to show evidence that both the tests of utility and cruelty are met in the case of the particular hunting proposed. The registrar will determine the application on the basis of an objective assessment of all the evidence provided, whether the activity satisfies the two tests.