19. Mr. PRESTONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the stag hunt at Minehead, in which a pursued deer taking to the sea was followed by motor boats, brought back to the quay, and there killed; and whether he will consider the desirability of making such practices illegal?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have seen the newspaper reports of the incident referred to. I am afraid I do not see what action could be taken to stop what happened in this case, short of making stag hunting illegal.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a short time ago a stag driven out to sea, swam over to France; and will he consider the introduction of legislation to stop this kind of thing?
§ Mr. N. MACLEANCannot a police constable take action against anyone who is doing this, as a matter of cruelty to animals?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not responsible for the action of the local constabulary, and I cannot direct the local constables in every individual case. That must be left to the magistrates.