Chamber and committees

There are still a lot of questions to come. It is just one of those things; we have had a lot of detail right in the middle of the session. As we come towards the end, the questions and responses might not be quite so long, but I do not want to stifle this section of our questioning. If you could be flexible, we would very much appreciate it.

Thank you. We will move on to a question from Jim Fairlie.

Does the addition at the end of the definition not mean that it is not only what you have set out, and that it is open for individuals to construe it as they want? Does that not make it far more woolly?

Rachael, is your question on licensing?

We will now move on to talk about prohibition of trail hunting, which is covered under sections 11 and 12 of the bill. The first question is from Beatrice Wishart.

Perhaps you could clarify something. Twenty per cent seems to be a huge number. Given the evidence that we have heard about foot packs and that the vast number of foxes are not controlled using dogs, the figure of 20 per cent that are unlawfully killed seems to be very high.

Rachael Hamilton has a supplementary question.

I am not sure that that question is applicable to the bill that is in front of us, which is about animal welfare. You may comment if you wish to, minister, but I do not think that you should feel obliged to do so because that is not really covered in the bill.

Okay. I bring in Rachael Hamilton.

Minister, I thank you and your team for your evidence. I really appreciate the additional time that you have given us—my estimate of 15 minutes was not too far out. Thank you for your attendance today. Your full answers were very much appreciated, and we look forward to working with you as the bill progresses.

I suspend briefly to allow witnesses to leave, and so that we can have a short comfort break. We will resume at 11:55.