Clause 1 — Hunting wild mammals with dogs

Part of Hunting Bill – in the House of Commons at 7:45 pm on 16 November 2004.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Stephen O'Brien Stephen O'Brien Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Shadow Secretary of State for Industry 7:45, 16 November 2004

I share my hon. Friend's analysis. I speak on behalf of the five hunts that use land in my constituency, and it is clear to me that, although the Minister and his party will vote for many measures to give definition to a permissive society, the compromise that my hon. Friend advocates—albeit through gritted teeth—is a test of whether they truly believe in a permissive, civilised, free society.