Clause 8 - Tests for registration: utility and least suffering
Hunting Bill
10:30 am
Mr Alun Michael (Minister of State (Rural Affairs), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour/Co-operative)
The Bill is absolutely clear on that point. I am glad to be able to persuade the hon. Gentleman. I also accept that it is important to consider whether one form of activity is preferable to another on the grounds of whether it fulfils the test of utility, and whether it is a cruel activity. Lord Burns clearly concluded that, when undertaken competently, lamping involves less suffering than hunting with dogs.