§ 81. Mr. STRANGERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the fact that during the past week rodeo performances have taken place at Wembley resulting in the maiming of animals engaged, in breach of the undertaking given by the promoters of the rodeo that no cruelty would be involved, his Department will at once request the exhibition authorities to take civil proceedings against the promoters, claiming by injunction to restrain the performances taking place, and to apply immediately for an interim injunction restraining 37 them or their servants from allowing the grounds to be used for these performances?
§ Mr. STURROCKBefore this question is answered, since the matter affecting all these questions is sub judice, is it not undesirable that an answer of any sort should be given before the Courts have adjudicated upon these points?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe fact that the matter is sub judice does not justify me in refusing a question. A proper discretion should be exercised by hon. Members, and I have no doubt it will be exercised by Ministers in replying.
§ Mr. LUNNAs my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary stated in reply to a question asked on the 19th instant by the hon. and gallant Member for Blackpool, the responsible authorities have been requested to suspend the steer-roping contests in the Rodeo, with reference to which allegations of cruelty have been made. As this request has been complied with, I do not think it is necessary for me to take any action in the matter.
§ Mr. MACLEANis the hon. Member prepared to make representations to the Home Secretary that, in view of the agitation against cruelty at the Wembley Exhibition in the Wild West Show going on them, he will make representations to put a stop to the cruelties that take place on the Scottish moors after the 12th August?