Bird Control Licences

Debate between Lord Benyon and Lord Newby

Thursday 3rd February 2022 Lords Chamber

[Lord Benyon (Con)]

My Lords, it is not my position at the Dispatch Box to prescribe noble Lords’ diets, but I entirely agree with my noble friend about the health-giving benefits of natural food.

[Lord Newby (LD)]

My Lords, following on from the noble Lord, Lord Cormack, and as someone who really enjoys pheasant, in many cases game birds are shot and not used for food at all but put into landfill. Have the Government any plans to reduce that practice?

[Lord Benyon (Con)]

There may be cases where that happens, but I imagine that it is very rare. Recently, the British Game Alliance was created, which has sought to develop new markets for this very healthy food. I do not have any evidence of what the noble Lord talks about but, if he can produce it, I will be happy to discuss it with officials and with Natural England.

Fishing: France

Debate between Lord Benyon and Lord Newby

Monday 1st November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Benyon (Con)]

I was referring to a vessel that has been seized, against which there are allegations of fishing illegally. I do not want to comment on that, because that could be the basis of a judicial process. There is, in parallel, a mechanism within the TCA to resolve these sorts of disputes. But we hope we can deal with it as friends and neighbours rather than going to law.

[Lord Newby (LD)]

My Lords, I wonder whether the Minister could have another go.

[Lord Benyon (Con)]

I am sorry, I missed that.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Newby (LD)]

My noble friend asked the Minister which court, and I am afraid I missed the answer in the noble Lord’s reply.

[Lord Benyon (Con)]

I was explaining that the vessel that has been seized may be the subject of a judicial process, which I would not want to prejudice. It is in a port in France. There are other mechanisms for resolving trade disputes within the TCA, which I am sure the noble Lord is aware of.