Cross Party Group on Shooting and Conservation

Tuesday 6th February 2024 at 12pm

Conference Room A Ty Hywel

Minutes

1. Welcome and apologies.

The Chairman Samuel Kurtz MS welcomed members and stakeholders to the meeting

and thanked all for attending.

Samuel Kurtz MS wanted to formally wish his Majesty the King a speedy recovery after

the recent news of his diagnose of Cancer.

Thank you to BASC for providing everyone in attendance with refreshments today.

Present: Samuel Kurtz MS, Peter Fox MS, Lee Gonzalez (Joel James MS office),

Member of staff representing Tom Giffard MS Anne Banks (Staff), David Boden (BASC),

Steve Griffiths (BASC), Spike Butcher (A2S), Charles De-Winton (CLA), Rachel Evans

(CA), Glynn Evans (BASC), Matthew Goodall (GWCT), Sue Evans (GWCT), Louisa

Clutterbuck (Eat Wild), Dominic Boulton (GFA)

Apologies received from MS Llyr Gruffydd, James Evans and Alun Davies.

2. AGM

Postponed to a later date due to Members of Senedd away on Senedd business.

3. Gamebirds and raised laying systems (BASC Head of Game and Wildlife

Management – Glynn Evans)

The PowerPoint presentation and discussion points addressed:

• Pheasant and partridge laying systems.

• Considerations such as: biosecurity, parasites, disease prevention, animal welfare

and predation management.

• Research studies. The results of Defra funded study (AW1303); to determine

whether cage-based breeding can meet the needs of game birds.’

• The Welsh Government code of practice for the welfare of gamebirds reared for

sporting purposes.

• Discussion had on why the code of practice was not updated after a meeting with

Welsh Government officials in 2019.

• All are welcome to submit written questions to Samuel Kurtz MS and Peter Fox MS

on the subject.

4. The Welsh Game Fair 2024. (Sue Evans GWCT)

An update was provided on the status of the Welsh Game Fair and how it was looking for

further financial support. Sue Evans would provide members of the CPG with an update over

the coming days to whether the event will run this year at the Glan Usk Estate.

5. A short update on the HSE consultation relating to lead ammunition.

(David Boden BASC)

In 2023 a petition with 4,000 signatures reached the Senedd petition committee on

banning the use of lead in ammunition in Wales. The decision was made to close the

petition and await the outcome of the HSE/UK reach report.

An update was provided covering the below points:

• The background behind the UK reach review of lead ammunition.

• The process so far calls for evidence and consultations.

• The timeline is delayed.

• The potential outcomes of the proposals and restrictions which we are likely

to be seen in Wales.

• The importance of ensuring that all three nations are consistent within their

approach.

6. A.O.B

7. Date of next meeting

A teams meeting will be held in the near future (date to be determined) for a short AGM to

take place when members return to Senedd business.

Next formal meeting: It was agreed that it would be held at the Royal Welsh Show in July

2024