Sunday, June 20, 2004
HAIN SIGNALS GOOD NEWS FOR ANTIS
By Vivienne Morgan, Political Staff, PA News
Welcome news could be forthcoming for the anti-fox hunting lobby, Commons leader Peter Hain signalled today.
The hint came during angry Commons exchanges in which Labour backbenchers accused the Government of prevarication on the issue.
Mr Hain would not be drawn on the timing of any announcement, but indicated it would “encourage” those demanding an outright ban on hunting with dogs.
Pressure for a ban has been reignited over the last few weeks by a Commons motion signed by more than 250 MPs.
The last Government Hunting Bill would have allowed licensed fox-hunting, but MPs changed it to a total ban before the Bill failed to progress in the Lords where most peers want the sport to continue.
Under procedure rules, the Government could re-introduce the total hunting ban Bill as it left the Commons and use the Parliament Act to force it into law.
During exchanges on future business today, Labour’s David Winnick (Walsall N) pressed Mr Hain to give a precise indication of when the Parliament Act would be used.
He added: “Do you understand the question now is are we going to have the courage to end this barbaric sport once and for all?
“This is what the overwhelming majority of Labour MPs want and undoubtedly there is a large majority of the country that expects this Parliament to do so and to do so in this Parliament before the general election.”
Mr Hain replied: “We are determined to resolve this matter. When the time is right I will make an announcement.”
“There’s no attempt to avoid this issue. What is absolutely clear is what you described as barbaric practice has to be ended. There is no question about that,” he added.
“I think you will be encouraged when I do make the announcement in the way we intend to pursue this.”
Welcome news could be forthcoming for the anti-fox hunting lobby, Commons leader Peter Hain signalled today.
The hint came during angry Commons exchanges in which Labour backbenchers accused the Government of prevarication on the issue.
Mr Hain would not be drawn on the timing of any announcement, but indicated it would “encourage” those demanding an outright ban on hunting with dogs.
Pressure for a ban has been reignited over the last few weeks by a Commons motion signed by more than 250 MPs.
The last Government Hunting Bill would have allowed licensed fox-hunting, but MPs changed it to a total ban before the Bill failed to progress in the Lords where most peers want the sport to continue.
Under procedure rules, the Government could re-introduce the total hunting ban Bill as it left the Commons and use the Parliament Act to force it into law.
During exchanges on future business today, Labour’s David Winnick (Walsall N) pressed Mr Hain to give a precise indication of when the Parliament Act would be used.
He added: “Do you understand the question now is are we going to have the courage to end this barbaric sport once and for all?
“This is what the overwhelming majority of Labour MPs want and undoubtedly there is a large majority of the country that expects this Parliament to do so and to do so in this Parliament before the general election.”
Mr Hain replied: “We are determined to resolve this matter. When the time is right I will make an announcement.”
“There’s no attempt to avoid this issue. What is absolutely clear is what you described as barbaric practice has to be ended. There is no question about that,” he added.
“I think you will be encouraged when I do make the announcement in the way we intend to pursue this.”
