§ 42. Colonel APPLINasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the announcement of a performance for children at Olympia called the Christmas Circus, in which a single unarmed man is to appear in a cage with 70 lions and put thorn through certain manœuvres; and whether, in view of the demoralising effect on children, and the risk of life, he will say what steps he proposes to take to prevent such an exhibition being given to children?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir, but I have no power to prevent such an exhibition being given.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lion is the national symbol, and that this brings the lion into contempt?
§ Captain W. SHAWAs this is a question of school children being taken to this exhibit to see the lions performing in a cage and a man inside the cage with them, will my right hon. Friend allow such a thing?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer is that I have no power in the matter. There is no Act of Parliament giving me power.