HC Deb 03 December 1925 vol 188 cc2485-6
Mr. CADOGAN

asked the Home Secretary whether he can take any steps to prevent the recurrence of the incident which took place in Whetstone on Sunday, 29th November, when an elephant broke loose from its conveyance in the Great North Road and caused considerable damage to neighbouring property?

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Home Secretary whether he has information as to the recapture of the elephant which broke loose on Sunday-while being conveyed in a float from the Barnet menagerie to Whitechapel; what casualties resulted; what damage was done; whether the elephant has now been safely removed to its destination; whether he will take immediate steps to test and ensure the sufficiency of any conveyance to be used for the tranport of wild or potentially dangerous animals; and whether he can give an assurance that adequate powers exist and will be exercised under his own or other authority to secure the safety of the public from the escape of wild animals in course of transit?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I propose to answer these two questions together. I have no information other than what has appeared in the Press, and no power to interfere in the matter. As far as I am aware, there are no statutory provisions governing the subject. Any person who keeps a wild or potentially dangerous animal is liable for any damage it may cause; and the theory of the law is that this is sufficient provision for the safety of the public. I am afraid I cannot promise to introduce any special legislation.

Mr. CADOGAN

Have any steps been taken to prosecute this company, or whatever it is, for bringing an elephant into my constituency?

Mr. J. JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to have the elephant taken up for mutiny?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I have no evidence up to the present of the political views of the elephant.

HON. MEMBERS

"Now we know!" and "Political bias!" [Interruption.]

Colonel WOODCOCK

Cannot this elephant be sent to the Isle of Lewis, where they want wild animals?

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Is this not only one of the animals of the menagerie, and has not serious trouble been caused before in this establishment by a zebra and other animals breaking loose in this way, to the consternation and danger of the public?

Mr. MACLEAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these violent aliens are deported?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, N. (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle), all I can say is that I have heard of similar trouble in regard to these menageries. So far as I know, or can find out, the police have no powers to prevent menageries travelling, the only condition being, as I say in the original answer, that anyone who keeps wild animals is responsible for any damage that they do.