§ 51. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that premises adjoining dwelling-houses at Barnet have been acquired and transformed by a London livestock dealer into an elaborate menagerie from which wild animals frequently escape into neighbouring gardens and houses; whether, seeing that in reply to repre 27 sentations made to the Ministry on the subject by the Barnet Urban District Council and the police authorities last August it was intimated that unless the animals were kept under proper control The licence for their importation might be cancelled, he will say whether he is satisfied that the animals have since been kept under proper control, and, if not, what action he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. WOODI am aware of the nature of the premises mentioned. My jurisdiction is limited to the control of imported animals, while undergoing quarantine, to prevent the introduction of disease in accordance with the provisions of the Diseases of Animals Acts. A consignment of llamas were quarantined there in August last, but in the same month the occupier was informed that the premises could not in future be approved for quarantine purposes, and I have therefore no control over any animals which may now be kept there.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman make representations to some other Member of the Government in this matter, which all Members of the Government seem to refuse?
Mr. WOODI will gladly make representations, but, as my hon. and gallant Friend observes, there is some doubt as to whom they should be made. The fact is, no doubt, that this question is one that was never in contemplation when either Governments, or Departments, or legislation were set up.