§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, at the recent beef-dressing competition for £200 a side at Wood Green Track, four oxen were slaughtered in a place of public amusement, and their bodies cut up and dressed before a great concourse of people, who paid for the gratification of seeing this performance; and was the place where the oxen were slaughtered a licensed slaughter-house; and, if not, will he consider the propriety of directing proceedings to be taken against the promoters of this public entertainment?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENTYes, I received a report as to what took place at this entertainment. The question of legality involved in the slaughtering of the animals appears to be one for the district council, with whom I am in communication, but I may add that an assurance has been given on behalf of the managers of the ground that such exhibitions will not be allowed in future.