§ Sir A. FELL (by Private Notice)asked whether any action, and, if so, what, is contemplated with a view to effecting a reduction of the number of dogs in the United Kingdom, having regard to the difficulties of the food situation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe recommendations of the Committee of Ministers who have at my request been looking into this matter have only to-day been communicated to me. I cannot, therefore, indicate at the moment the precise nature of the recommendations or how far it may be possible to give effect to them, but I may say at once that no order for the destruction of dogs, such as seems to have been anticipated in some quarters, is suggested.
§ Mr. RENDALLDoes the undertaking—it is not quite an undertaking, but almost—that no Order could be made without the House being consulted still hold good?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt is not quite an undertaking, but if any steps are taken I think it will require legislation.
§ Mr. DIXONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider a suggestion that all dogs should be kept for a week on leash or in kennel, so that all undesirable dogs that people care nothing about could be taken by the police?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am afraid I should need time to consider that suggestion.