Results 1-8 of 8 for hunting speaker:Albert Owen

Public Bill Committee: Hunting Bill: Clause 9 - The Registrar (23 Jan 2003)

Mr Albert Owen: I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way. He says that the amendments would not give the National Assembly for Wales any additional powers to deal with hunting in Wales. Has he read amendment No. 191, which states: ''As regards Wales the National Assembly for Wales may by order amend Schedule 1 so as to vary a class of exempt hunting''? If that is not giving powers to the National Assembly...

Public Bill Committee: Hunting Bill: Clause 9 - The Registrar (23 Jan 2003)

Mr Albert Owen: ...and the National Assembly for Wales. A Welsh-only registrar appointed by the National Assembly will add to the inconsistencies. There are examples in Scotland, but I have reservations about hunts that cross the English-Welsh border. Which registrar would apply the rulings in those circumstances? We need to consider that and I am surprised that the hon. and learned Member for Harborough...

Public Bill Committee: Hunting Bill: Clause 9 - The Registrar (23 Jan 2003)

Mr Albert Owen: Yes, and I suppose that the hon. Gentleman would like Welsh hunts to be registered in the opposite way, but I am sure that that would cause inconsistency. Some of DEFRA's responsibilities have been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, and there have been calls for animal welfare to be devolved to it. I am not convinced that that would deliver better services to Welsh farmers and the...

Public Bill Committee: Hunting Bill: Clause 9 - The Registrar (23 Jan 2003)

Mr Albert Owen: I thought that I was making my position clear. I do not believe that devolution on hunting with dogs is necessary so I obviously do not support it.

Public Bill Committee: Hunting Bill: Clause 9 - The Registrar (23 Jan 2003)

Mr Albert Owen: ...for a rural constituency, I speak long and hard to people. Not one of the pro or anti-hunters has mentioned the registrar, who is not an issue in Wales. My constituents want a clear decision on hunting, and I urge my right hon. Friend the Minister to give a clear indication that the 1993 Act will be upheld in the Bill to protect the Welsh language. We do not need to go down the road of...

Hunting Bill (16 Dec 2002)

Mr Albert Owen: ...my right hon. Friend the Minister for Rural Affairs on his hard work and patience and on the wide consultations that he held before introducing the Bill. My right hon. Friend knows my views on hunting, especially on hunting with dogs. He is also familiar with the terrain of my constituency so he knows—literally—where I am coming from. I agree that it is in everyone's interest...

Hunting Bill (16 Dec 2002)

Mr Albert Owen: ...there were a complete ban option and we allowed foxes to be flushed out to the gun, as in schedule 1, and stalking and flushing remained part of the Bill, there would be no need for any traditional hunt and this matter could be solved. The reason for the so-called traditional hunts is the enjoyment of the chase and the kill as pure sporting activity. Yes, a prolonged chase of a fox across...

Hunting Bill (16 Dec 2002)

Mr Albert Owen: .... I was pleased to take that intervention from the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire (Lembit Öpik), as I do not support the middle way; I believe in the right way forward. In terms of outlawing foxhunting as a sport, the Bill has a number of pitfalls. It has several good clauses, too, and, importantly, good intent. I accept that there is no such thing as perfect drafting. I am certain...