Schedule 1 - Exempt Hunting
Hunting Bill
5:45 pm
Mr Alun Michael (Minister of State (Rural Affairs), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Cardiff South and Penarth, Labour/Co-operative)
It would be churlish of me not to agree to that request; I happily do so. I should mention that there are other aspects of the amendment that concern me, such as the provision permitting deer hunting for the purpose of culling for population control. I am not convinced that a case has been made for that purpose. In view of the hon. Gentleman's invitation, to which I shall respond as quickly as possible, I will not go into further details when responding to the amendment.
I emphasise that I fully agree that deer management schemes are an important—indeed, crucial—tool for developing strategies for handling deer at local level, particularly when there may be concern about numbers. I also emphasise that DEFRA will play its part in facilitating such initiatives, but they must be local initiatives with expert support as necessary. I understand why the hon. Gentleman asked what DEFRA will do. The Department, and I as Minister, will respond to the willingness of local people to develop appropriate methods for deer management. We are willing to do that irrespective of the legislation, but it will become all the more important because of opinion in local areas in the light of the impact of legislation.
I cannot accept the amendment, but I accept the intentions of the hon. Gentleman and I applaud his efforts to respond in a reasoned way on the future health and survival of the deer herd and the interests of his constituency.