§ MR. BUCHANANI desire to ask the Home Secretary whether he has received memorials from Bath, Newcastle, and other places as to the continuance of the alleged cruel practice of "rabbit coursing" in enclosed places; and whether he will take into consideration the expediency of amending the Cruelty to Animals Act, so as to deal with this practice?
§ MR. MATTHEWSYes, Sir. I have received such memorials. While greatly disapproving of the cruelty sometimes displayed in rabbit coursing, as described in the memorials, I do not see my way to the possibility of amending the law in the present state of public business.
§ MR. BUCHANANCan the right hon. Gentleman give a promise, or hold out any hope, that the question will be dealt with by legislation next Session?
§ MR. MATTHEWSThe hon. Member will acknowledge that it would be extremely imprudent on my part to hold out any hope of the kind.