Thank you for your recent email regarding fox hunting.
Parliament has already spent over 220 hours debating the issue of fox hunting, some 202 more hours than was given to going to war in Iraq. While I understand your strength of feeling on this issue it is important to note that all hunts are required to follow the law as set out in the 2004 Hunting Act.
This act requires a trail scent to be laid as opposed to hunting for live animals. I understand that local hunts follow the letter of the law and that they are routinely scrutinised.
I hope that all hunts will continue to follow the guidance as set out in the 2004 Act.
