§ 52. Mr. MESSERasked the Minister of Agriculture how many prosecutions have taken place for breaches of the Diseases of Animals Order, 1931, No. 750; how many prosecutions were undertaken by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture; and how many at the instance of animals societies?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe Order referred to is required to be administered by local authorities. No prosecutions for offences against the Order have been undertaken by officials of the Ministry, but notification has been received of 567 cases in which prosecutions have been conducted by the local authorities since the Order was made. This number does 1762 net necessarily include all prosecutions undertaken. The Department has no record of any prosecutions having been carried out at the instance of animals societies.
§ Mr. MESSERIn view of the fact that it appears that this Order is so little known to clerks to justices, will the hon. Member see that this information is circulated to them?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMIf there are any steps that I can take, I will consider them.