Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 8 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 December 2001. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 6 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to lift the suspension on fox hunting with dogs; and if she will make a statement. - Includes ref to the DEFRA website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/ and a document on proposals to replace the current blanket ban on hunting in England and Wales. (Printed in Bound Volume on 15.11.2001 at 374 c890W)

Answer: Lembit Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to lift the suspension on fox hunting with dogs; and if she will make a statement. [14403] Alun Michael: The Veterinary Risk Assessment has been placed in the Library of the House and published on the DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk/. The Government issued a document on proposals to replace the current blanket ban on hunting in England and Wales. The proposed new arrangements permit certain forms of hunting with dogs to recommence under a permit issued by a Divisional Veterinary Manager, in foot and mouth disease free counties. All forms of hunting will remain prohibited in foot and mouth disease infected areas as does the hunting of deer in the whole of England and Wales.

Secondary information