§ MR. WHITMORE (Chelsea)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can state what further progress has been made since February last with the eradication of rabies in England; over what districts muzzling orders are still in force; and whether, in view of the probable remission of these orders altogether at some not distant date, he will consider +he desirability of passing this Session the Dogs Regulation Bill, which gives to local authorities power to enforce collar and registration regulations?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTUREDuring the last 11 weeks there have been four cases of rabies reported, as compared with 36 in the corresponding period of 1897, and 133 in that of 1896. Muzzling orders are still in force in the Home Counties, districts round Birmingham and Middlesbrough, and in Lancashire, and the West Riding. I should be very glad to secure an early opportunity for the consideration of the Bill to which my honourable Friend refers, for the reason stated in his Question, especially since it is clear that much misunderstanding exists as to the effect and objects of the Bill.
§ DR. TANNERMay I ask the right honourable Gentleman whether, in view of the approaching dog days, the dogs' regulation will include cats as well as other animals?
§ [No Reply.]