§ 35. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what proportion of their hounds have been destroyed on an average by the owners of leading packs of foxhounds and harriers; whether any owners have neglected to reduce the number of their hounds; and whether he will advise owners of hounds to retain no more than may be reasonably required for the preservation of the breed?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain Bathurst)I am unable to state what proportion of their hounds have been destroyed on an average by the owners of leading packs of foxhounds and harriers; but I have every reason to believe that their voluntary undertaking has been loyally carried out. If my hon. Friend desires it, I will endeavour to obtain more precise information, but he is, of course, aware that hounds of all descriptions represent quite a small percentage of the total number of dogs in the country.
§ Mr. McNEILLMay I take it that the reduction has been very substantial?
Captain BATHURSTI think that goes without saying. If they can reduce the number of their dogs on their own initiative it is most desirable they should do so, but in any case it is suggested that they should not give to them food fit for human consumption.