Schedule 1 - Exempt Hunting
Hunting Bill
10:45 am
Mr Alun Michael (Minister of State (Rural Affairs), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour/Co-operative)
The hon. and learned Gentleman has made his point reasonably. The hon. Members for North Wiltshire and for Mid-Sussex and I have acknowledged that the nuisance of mink is a serious problem. That is why the project in the Western Isles is trying to identify the best ways to eradicate pest species and to make sure that pest control is effective. The problem will not be solved overnight.
The exemption in the Bill allows immediate action by the gamekeeper pending an application if he wants to take action with a pack of dogs. The Bill allows for that possibility if it can be shown to be a justified means. The evidence is far from conclusive, but the possibility is there.