15. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Home Secretary on what grounds he communicated with the Exeter Local Authority in order to induce them to discontinue the appointment they 1942 had made, under Clause 3 of the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act, 1925, of the local Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' inspector, who is also a special constable, as the officer of the local authority duly authorised as their inspector?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe question does not, I think, state the facts quite correctly. According to my information the local inspector of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was appointed a special constable for the express purpose of enabling him to enforce the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act. This is not a purpose for which under the Special Constables Order, 1923 (Statutory Rubs and Orders, No. 95), a special constable may be appointed, and I may add that it was also contrary to the intention of this House when pssing the Bill.