To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many videos his Department has received since 1 May 1997 depicting the activities of the New Forest hounds; and which Ministers have viewed them. [80435]

Since 1 May 1997, the Forestry Commission has received about a dozen videos of activities during fox hunts in the New Forest. I have seen some of these videos.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons it took from 1 June 1998, when the Forestry Commission approved a licence for New Forest fox hounds, until October 1998 for that licence to be issued. [80436]

The Forestry Commission issues licences for fox hunting over its land. The terms of those licences are based on an Agreement between the Commission and the Master of Foxhounds Association. The Agreement for last season was concluded on 18 August, after which the licences and associated maps were prepared in accordance with the Agreement. The Commission completed the New Forest Fox Hounds' licence on 24 September.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what involvement Ministers have in the procedure by which the Forestry Commission issue hunting licences in the New Forest; [80433](2) what involvement Ministers have in the process of issuing a hunting licence once the Forestry Commission have approved the terms of such a licence. [80434]

None. The Forestry Commission does, however, keep Ministers informed about its policies on hunting and the terms of the licences that it issues.