Clause 8 - Tests for registration: utility and least suffering
Hunting Bill
3:30 pm
Mr Alun Michael (Minister of State (Rural Affairs), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour/Co-operative)
I have examined the evidence and I found that it is not conclusive, nor is that the only road we can go down. The good will of the people living in Exmoor is important. I have demonstrated my good will by listening to and discussing with them, as I shall continue to do, the potential impact of the Bill on the area. I am also in continuing dialogue with local constituency Members. I understand the concerns and the dangers, but I see no justification for an approach that would threaten the deer population. Only a few are killed as a result of hunting, so it is time to lower the rhetoric and to stop building up the impression that such approaches are justifiable.