§ 43. Mr. FREEMANasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the cruelty involved by hunting, he will arrange for a public inquiry into the whole question with a view to the abolition of all forms of sport in which the suffering of animals is involved?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn the present state of public business I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by setting up a body to inquire into so wide and controversial a subject as is suggested. As my hon. Friend will be aware, there is a Motion on the Order Paper with regard to the appointment of a Joint Select Committee to consider one of its aspects, namely, the subject of deer hunting with hounds.
§ Mr. FREEMANWill the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation to place before him some of the reasons for the growing outcry that there is against this so-called form of sport?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am well aware of the reasons and am not lacking in information, but in the present state of public business action will be impossible, and a deputation will not be of very great service.
§ Major COLFOXWill the right hon. Gentleman use the opportunity afforded by the Christmas Recess to get some personal experience?