HARE COURSING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Early day motion 1712, tabled 17 September 2003 by Colin Pickthall (Labour). Signed by 85 members.

That this House expresses concern at the low population of the Irish hare in Northern Ireland; notes the Biodiversity Species Action Plan target to double the present population of the Irish hare by 2010; notes the call from independent scientist at Queen's University Belfast to remove the Irish hare from the quarry list; and urges the Government to grant the Irish hare protection from hunting and coursing under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order.

Signatures by party: Labour 56, Liberal Democrat 16, Labour/Co-operative 6, Conservative 3, Independent Ulster Unionist 2, UUP 2.