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Until the middle of February I will be incarcerated for at least five hours a day, two days a week, looking at the finer details of ratting, lamping, flushing to guns and a host of other obscure terms. Yes, I'm on the Committee stage of the Hunting Bill. The very mention of the words evinces two distinct reactions in those people who generally would like to see an end to cruel sports involving the chasing and killing of foxes, stags and hares. One group wonders why we are yet again spending time on hunting - they would quite like to see an end to it, but they think there are more important things for Parliament to do, especially now. Another group is pleased that Parliament is getting on with it, but worries that the detailed way in which the issue is now being treated by Parliament means that a fudge is on its way - why can't we have a simple Bill that says 'hunting is banned'? These thoughts are offered over and above the flood of mail I've been getting, mostly photocopied and from one or two specific parts of the country - a campaign by pro-hunters to deluge committee members with mail. My time working on the detail of the Bill has given me some answers to all three of these positions. One way or another, we do need to decide on the issue of hunting. Private members Bills have come and gone over the past four years, mostly foundering on lack of time, or expiring after being savaged by the Lords. This time it's a Government Bill - albeit with a free vote for all MPs. That means that it will not be possible to talk it out, or sabotage the committee stage. And if the Lords wreck the resulting Bill, the Parliament Act can be invoked to force its adoption after a certain delay. There is never a right time to decide which Bills will get Government time - but each year thirty or so do. This Bill is not large by the standards of many others. As for the detail - it is necessary to get a Bill right, so that it works once it is on the statute books. As some people are finding in Scotland, where the Scottish Parliament has 'banned' hunting, problems with the detail have led to multiple court challenges and the apparent continuation of hunting in various areas. There are circumstances where foxes are pests, and it is reasonable that farmers should be able to control them. But control methods can be prescribed - and they should be both proven as necessary, and be carried out by the least cruel method. Chasing a fox around the countryside all day with a large pack of hounds, perhaps twenty horses and a following fleet of vehicles does not fall within this definition. The Bill is patiently laying down who can do what and when, so that all is legally clear. And as for the letters from those who want hunting to continue without hindrance - they are entitled to write to me and each will receive a courteous, but clear reply. My view is that hunting mammals with hounds is for sport is not something that we, as a society should support, and I personally want to see it ended. I think as we go through the Bill line by line in Committee, strengthening it where appropriate, that is what will happen. |
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24-May-2004
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