Written question asked by Lord Goodman of Wycombe (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 October 2002. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Thursday, 17 October 2002 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, If she will make a statement on the outcome of consultations on the future of hunting. (Failed OPQ). - Inc ref to 382 c457W, 21 March 2002.

Answer: Mr. Goodman: to ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement about the outcome of consultations on the future of hunting. [72366] Alun Michael: I am now in the last stages of the process I announced on 21 March in my statement to the House, Official Report, column 457. During this period I have written three times to all Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, and a wide range of organisations seeking comments and evidence. Last month I held three days of public hearings in Portcullis House when all three main campaign groups joined me to hear and question evidence given by experts. This has been an exceptionally open and, as has been acknowledged on all sides, transparent process. I am now carefully examining the evidence I have received both in response to the letters and in the hearings, and I shall shortly bring forward proposals based on the principles and the process set out in my statement to this House on 21 March.

Secondary information