§ 78. Sir BURTON CHADWICKasked the Home Secretary, whether he is aware that some 30 dozen pigeons were killed or injured in a pigeon-shooting competition which took place on the ground of the Chatham Football Club on the 31st March; and whether he can take prompt steps to make this practice illegal?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have seen a newspaper report of the competition referred to. Legislation would be required to make such competitions illegal, and, much as I regret that the law tolerates this cruel practice, I fear that the Government cannot possibly undertake legislation at present. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI would ask the right hon. Gentleman, who, I am sure, as every other Member of the House, deplores this barbarity, whether it is not possible for him to introduce a Bill which would promptly make it illegal?
§ Mr. SHORTTOf course my hon. Friend knows the condition of the time of the House. At the same time, if any Private Member's Bill were brought in, I certainly should try to do all I could to facilitate it.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs that any worse than pheasant killing?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in all the present turmoil, the House was able to rise at 6 o'clock on Monday, and, in these circumstances, is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to ask the House to sit on Saturday to pass such a Bill?