§ *SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the result of the inquiries into the application of the dog-muzzling order to sheep dogs while working?
§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. WALTER LONG,) Liverpool, West DerbyI have caused a special inquiry to be made as to this matter, the result of which goes to show that no really serious inconvenience is caused by requiring sheep dogs to be muzzled in districts in which such a measure is necessary. This view is confirmed by the past experience, both of the Board of Agriculture and many local authorities, when muzzling regulations have been made. Moreover, the proposed exemption would seriously impair the efficiency of the orders now in force, and render it necessary for them to be continued for a longer period than I hope will be necessary. I regret, therefore, that I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion which the right hon. Baronet has made to me.
§ MR. THOMAS BAYLEY (Derbyshire, Chesterfield)asked whether the muzzling order applied to sporting as well as to sheep dogs?
§ *MR. WALTER LONGNo, Sir; it does not. ["Hear, hear!"]