§ 32. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland how many prosecutions have taken place in the county of Dumfries under Section 6 of the Dogs Act, 1906; whether he is aware that the paucity of cases under that Section is to be accounted for by the fact that, where a complaint is lodged under that Section the sanitary authorities give notice to the person against whom the complaint is lodged that such complaint has been made, with the result that when the locality is officially visited the cause of complaint has disappeared; and whether this line of action has the sanction of his Department in the administration of the Act of Parliament?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Tennant)I am not in a position to say how many prosecutions have taken place in the county of Dumfries, but I am informed that the Act referred to is duly enforced. I am not aware of any such general practice as that suggested by my hon. Friend, but if he will furnish me with the facts in any recent cases I shall be glad to make inquiry.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhy cannot my right hon. Friend find out the number of these cases and the facts as to the practice pursued?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am informed that it is not the practice.
§ Mr. WATTAre the cases so numerous that the right hon. Gentleman cannot give us the number of them?
§ Mr. TENNANTI have not got the number, but, if my hon. Friend is very anxious to have the number, I may be able to supply it to him.