Hunting Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 11:00 am on 28 October 2004.

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Photo of Baroness Byford Baroness Byford Shadow Minister, Environment and Transport 11:00, 28 October 2004

I slightly disagree with my noble friend—the Bill is nothing to do with animal welfare. I thought that we had established that right at the beginning. Tony Banks said, and I quoted him on Second Reading, that the Bill is of political importance. He said that it is nothing to do with animal welfare; that is not important.

Members of the Committee should not slide into thinking that that is what the Bill is supposed to be about, because clearly it is not. The noble Baroness, Lady Mallalieu, is quite right to say that she despairs. Most of us in this Chamber do despair. Because we are so restricted, there are practical things which need addressing, yet every day in Committee we have been thwarted. I have great regard for the Minister, but, as he has clearly demonstrated, he has taken his bat and ball and gone home, saying, "I can't do anything else. It's up to those at the other end". What is Parliament coming to, and where is democracy going? I think it is a disgrace.