§ 45. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that restrictions 556 of various kinds are being imposed upon the people in all parts of the country in the national interest; if he is aware that a good number of fox-hunting meetings have been fixed up for March in different parts of the country; if he is aware that there are also a number of hare-coursing meetings been fixed up and a number of horse-racing meetings; and if, in the national interest, he is prepared to issue an Order prohibiting all such meetings?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe Ministry of Munitions has power under Regulation 9B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations to prohibit race meetings where there is reason to suppose that the holding of them will impede the supply or transport of munitions. Persons proposing to hold race meetings are required to give seven days' notice of their intention, and all such proposals are carefully scrutinised. A limited number of meetings held under the Jockey Club and National Hunt Rules have been allowed to continue by arrangement with these two organisations. Rabbit and hare coursing meetings can be prohibited on similar grounds under Regulation 9 B.B. of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and steps have been, and are being, taken to prohibit such of these meetings as are likely to interfere with the carrying on of munitions work.
§ Mr. THORNEIn face of the rigid restrictions on the whole of the people of this country, why cannot he see his way at once to put down race-meetings and fox-hunting?
§ Mr. G. FABERIn view of the extraordinary importance of food production, will he advise all fox-hunters to avoid as far as possible growing crops?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI would imagine that all right-minded fox-hunters would do so.
§ Mr. THORNEDo they not always follow the fox?
Mr. T. WILSONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the rate for carrying racehorses has been increased by 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI understand railway rates have been increased by that amount.