HC Deb 05 July 1897 vol 50 cc1096-7
MR. POWLETT MILBANK (Radnor)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, taking into consideration that sheep dogs will not work over mountainous land in muzzles, he will exempt such dogs when in work, and treat them in the same manner as sporting dogs?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. WALTER LONG,) Liverpool, West Derby

I have caused further inquiries to be made into this matter, and the results go to show that if owners of sheep dogs will be good enough to take steps to provide their dogs with well-fitting muzzles of a good pattern, and to accustom them to their use, the work of the dogs will not be materially interfered with. I am most anxious to avoid taking any step which would seriously impair the efficiency of the Orders which have been issued and render it necessary to continue them in force for a longer period than would otherwise be the case, and I regret, therefore, that I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion made by my hon. Friend.