§ 71. Mr. FENBYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider the introduction of legislation to put a stop to the cruelty associated with rabbit coursing as now carried on in various parts of the country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. G. Locker-Lampson)I am afraid it would be quite impossible for the Government to take up this question in the present state of Parliamentary business.
§ Mr. FENBYHas the hon Member considered the charges of alleged cruelty concerning which I sent a report to the Home Secretary 10 days ago; can he say whether he intends to take any steps to inquire into these allegations, and is he aware of the strong public indignation in the city of Bradford against the practice carried on in connection with rabbit coursing?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI am aware of the charges that have been made. My hon. Friend will realise that there is a Private Member's Bill dealing with this matter which has passed through the Committee stage and which is now ready for Report and Third Reading, but I am afraid it is a controversial Bill and has not very much chance of passing before the Recess.
§ Mr. LAWS0NDid the hon. Member read of a fox being caught in a house the other day, and being chased out and killed?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member aware that the Private Bill referred to, which was introduced by me, has passed the Report stage and only awaits Third Reading? Under the circumstances, will he find time for it?
§ Mr. FENBYDoes the hon. Member not think that much more effective action could be taken by the Government taking up this matter themselves rather than relying upon a Private Member's Bill?