§ 32. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that there are 203 packs of foxhounds in Great Britain and Ireland, 131 packs of harriers, 67 packs of beagles, and 23 packs of stag-hounds, and that these dogs consume annually many tons of oatmeal; that if these packs were dispersed and the hounds kept individually by those who would undertake to look after them they would be maintained on bones and other house refuse which in many cases is wasted, and that in any case their consumption of oatmeal would be reduced; and, seeing that the price of oatmeal before the War in East London was l ½d. per lb. and is now 4 ½d., and that it provides valuable food, whether he will address a circular to masters of foxhounds, masters of hounds, and other hunting masters urging upon them the prompt dispersal of their packs in the national interest?
Captain BATHURSTAs I stated in the House on 8th February, the masters of foxhounds have voluntarily decided to reduce their packs very substantially. They are also prepared, I understand, not to-purchase any more oatmeal for hounds during the continuance of the War. The question of the necessity of taking further measures will not be lost sight of.
§ Mr. THORNEMay I ask whether these foxhounds do not require reduced rations the same as many of us?