Written question asked by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 10 November 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide additional resources over the next four years to the Thames Valley police for the enforcement of the recent ban on hunting with dogs.

Answer: The enforcement of the ban on hunting with dogs is a normal policing function and forces are expected to absorb the costs of this activity within their plans and budgeted resources. These are operational matters for the local chief constable.We have invested heavily in policing in England and Wales over the past five years. Expenditure supported by Government grant or spent centrally on policing increased by 39 per cent. or over £3 billion between 2000–01 and 2005–06. Thames Valley is receiving its fair share of the available resources.

Secondary information