Clause 13 - Application by individual
Hunting Bill
3:30 pm
Mr Adrian Flook (Taunton, Conservative)
The hon. Gentleman has a point. Once again, however, what is distinctive about being 18, when people are considered suitable to take a one-year course that will give them a national award certificate in gamekeeping at the age of 17? Such people are considered capable of being gamekeepers trained in the use of dogs. Registered individuals will have to
pass the tests of cruelty and utility, so age is therefore irrelevant—except for the fact that the Government appear to want the age of 18 to be relevant. That is my main gripe.
The amendment would also mean the end of school packs of hounds. I am sure that Labour Members would like that, but it makes no sense to me.