To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the research and observation exemption claimed by people hunting deer with dogs under section 9 of the Hunting Act 2004 is legitimately claimed; and what information his Department holds on whether any such research has been published.

Section 9 of the Hunting Act 2004 does not relate to the research and observation exception under the Act. Paragraph 9, Schedule 1 of the Hunting Act 2004 sets out an exception for research and observation. The Department does not hold information on the application of that exemption or any research published under or relating to it.

Anyone who has information about individuals illegitimately relying on the research and observation exemption should report the matter to the police, as they deal with complaints of illegal hunting.