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)
Clearly, the hon. Gentleman has not been listening. We are dealing not just with foxes and deer, but with mammals generally. Given Parliament's intention to legislate on the matter, my challenge was to produce proposed legislation that would provide the correct tests to decide what hunting activity with dogs should be allowed. That line is difficult to draw. Previous legislation, which has been described as banning legislation, drew the line and agreed exceptions, but care is needed to design legislation
that draws the line in the right place and does not have unintended results.
It is also important to design legislation that is properly enforceable and does not create confusion about what activities are allowed. If it is difficult to enforce, much time will be spent in the courts rather than in enforcement of the law. I have explained that several times—it is very clear. I invite Opposition Members, especially as they made a point about listening a short time ago, to listen to an explanation that I have clearly given to the Committee on several occasions.