Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what comparative assessment her Department has has made of the differing impacts on wildlife of (a) trail hunting and (b) traditional pest control and other outdoor activities.

This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail hunting in line with our manifesto commitment. Defra intends to hold a public consultation to seek views on an effective, enforceable ban. As part of that consultation, Defra plans to seek evidence from all concerned to ensure that the legislation that is brought forward is effective in practice. Defra will consider the responses to the consultation carefully in developing our proposals.