§ 72. Mr. PETOasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to reduce the number of superfluous dogs of all sorts in this country with a view to saving the incidental waste of food?
Captain BATHURSTAs I informed the hon. Member for West Waterford on the 3rd April, it is not at present proposed to place any statutory restriction on the keeping of dogs Those who keep dogs should, however, realise that the giving to dogs of food fit for human consumption is not in the national interest.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the hon. Gentleman issue a voluntary ration for the 2,700,000 dogs in this country?
§ Mr. O'SHEEWill the hon. Gentleman take no steps to effect a reduction in the number of dogs'?
Captain BATHURSTThat matter does not come directly within the province of the Department which I represent, but representations are being made to other Departments on the matter.
§ Mr. LUNDONWhat does "ornamental dog" mean?