§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
What qualifications the registrar will seek from those wishing to obtain a licence to use terriers to locate and bolt foxes and mink from underground for pest control purposes; [HL 1590]
64WAWhat can replace the use of terriers to locate and bolt foxes and mink from underground, should any person be unsuccessful in obtaining a licence from the registrar and; [HL 1591]
If the Hunting Bill were to receive Royal Assent, what advice they would to give to gamekeepers using dogs to flush a wild mammal from cover who find themselves in a situation whereby they cannot take a safe shot to despatch the wild mammal and;[HL1592]
Why a registered gamekeeper using dogs to control mammals may expect an inspector from a prescribed animal welfare body to accompany him or her whilst carrying out these pest control measures. [HL 1593]
§ Lord WhittyOn 25 February, the Standing Committee in another place added a clause to the Hunting Bill which would prevent the registration of hunting in respect of any hunting that involves the use of a dog below ground. My right honourable friend the Minister for Rural Affairs made it clear that the Government would bring forward amendments at a later stage of the Bill to meet the legitimate needs of gamekeepers, in particular to use dogs underground in certain specified circumstances and subject to conditions designed to prevent unnecessary suffering. His remarks were warmly welcomed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. My right honourable friend is considering the details of the amendments at the moment and will have regard to the concerns which underlie the noble Earl's questions.