§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been 451 called to the circumstances under which the Grand National Steeplechase was run this year; whether he is aware that out of twenty-three horses starting only ten finished, that many of the horses fell at various fences, that one horse broke its leg and was destroyed on the course, that another was removed suffering from staggers, and a third from being unduly spurred; whether any inspectors under the Home Office were in attendance, and if it is possible for him to take any steps in connection with such races to prevent cruelty to the animals.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers Douglas.) I understand that the facts of the case are substantially as stated in the Question. No inspectors under the Home Office were present, nor have I any inspectors at my disposal for such a purpose. The only Government inspectors whom there is power to appoint in connection with the prevention of cruelty to animals are those under the Act of 1876, who are concerned solely with experiments commonly known under the title of vivisection. The ordinary law for the prevention of cruelty can be set in motion by anyone, and there is no action which I can take in the matter.