§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the recent establishment in the old coaching stables at Barnet of a livestock depot from which several monkeys, a baboon, a puma, some red deer, a mongoose, and a snake have at 608 several times escaped, to the alarm and danger of the inhabitants; and whether he will take the necessary steps through the police, to whom complaint has been made, or otherwise, to secure the peace and safety of this neighbourhood forthwith.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSMy attention has not previously been drawn to this matter, but in any case I have no power to interfere. If any persons consider that they have cause for complaint in the matter, their civil remedy is open to them.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIs it not the duty of the police to protect the people from obvious danger?
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINHow could that pleasant little animal the mongoose possibly be a danger?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think it is the duty of the police; in fact, the police themselves may need protection, for a baboon appeared at a police station.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes not that show the possibility of what may happen at Barnet?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI cannot prosecute a baboon.
§ Major CRAWFURDIn view of the escape of these animals, including a baboon and a puma, will the right hon. Gentleman allow the police to be armed in that district?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is not correct; the puma did not escape.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these peculiar animals have ever escaped into the House of Commons? [HON. MEMBERS: Yes.]
§ Mr. LEES SMITHIs not the man who has allowed these animals to escape liable to prosecution?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, I do not think he is—at least, my advisers say not. It is not a criminal offence. Anyone who has any trouble can apply for an injunction in the High Court.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think these creatures have had a fair share of question time.
§ 91. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious nuisance occasioned by the establishment in the old posting-stables at Barnet of a livestock depot, immediately adjoining a street of small houses; whether he is aware that as many as 600 monkeys have been confined on the premises at a time and that several have escaped into neighbouring houses and gardens, to the alarm and great possible danger to the mental health of the inhabitants; and whether he will take action to secure the protection of the people of Barnet from this standing menace?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)I am communicating with the district council on the subject mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. I may mention that the model by-laws prepared by my Department for preventing the keeping of animals in such a way as to be injurious to health do not apply to monkeys, but there is no reason why local bye-laws should not include these animals if necessary.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINAre not these monkeys less liable to create alarm than some of the suspicious characters who attend Barnet Fair?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it a fact that these monkeys are being used for the Voronoff treatment?