§ 81. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether he will lay upon the Table of this House the Report of the Inspector appointed by the Board of Agriculture to inquire into the killing and maiming by motor cars of ponies and cattle belonging to commoners in the New Forest; if not, whether he will state what reasons, if any, in the public interest exist against such publication; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent this cruelty and to safeguard the property of the commoners?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Minister is not in agreement with the recommendations made in the Report, and no useful purpose would therefore appear to be served by laying it on the Table.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill my hon. Friend answer the last part of the question—
what steps he proposes to take to prevent this cruelty and to safeguard the property of the Commoners?
Sir A. BOSCAWENIt is, as my hon. Friend knows, an exceedingly difficult matter, but we are considering what practical steps can be taken.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs it possible to safeguard 70,000 acres when there are no fences, and when animals lie down in the middle of the road, and especially in darkness?
Sir A. BOSCAWENMy hon. Friend has just pointed out one of the difficulties we have to contend with.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the hon. Gentleman consider the question of putting up toll bars to regulate the extreme speed of these motor cars?