HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 cc879-80
COLONEL DAWNAY (York, N. R., Thirsk)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, considering the anxiety on the part of the agricultural population to prevent the total extermination of hares, the Government is prepared to give facilities to pass the Hares Preservation Bill at the earliest possible date?

MR. MUNRO-FERGUSON (Leith, &c.)

asked the right hon. Gentleman, whether it was not a fact that the ex-termination of hares was not now entirely in the hands of the agricultural population; and, whether the manner in which this Bill had been blocked was significant of the opinion of the House in the direction of restricting that control?

MR. ANDERSON (Elgin and Nairn)

asked, whether the Government were in possession of any information to lead to the belief that, under the existing laws, the total extinction of hares was contemplated?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

said, he did not intend to give a debating answer to the two hon. Gentlemen opposite. He could only answer the Question which his hon. and gallant Friend had put to him. He regretted that it had not been possible for his hon. and gallant Friend to obtain a second reading of his Bill. It was a subject that might very well be considered by that House. There were questions equally important that were raised by other hon. Gentlemen; and he was afraid it would not be in his power to give special facilities for one Bill, however important it might be in the judgment of those who supported it.