HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 c830
55. Mr. Joynson-Hicks

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that sheep are being killed by dogs at the rate of one every other day on the farms near coastal towns in West Sussex; and what steps he is taking to stop this destruction of human food.

Mr. T. Williams

I was not aware that sheep worrying by dogs in West Sussex was so extensive as the hon. Member suggests. I understand that the number of cases reported to the police in 1947 was 23, involving the injury or death of 59 sheep. As to the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 11th February to the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom).

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reply he gave on that date has not in any way curtailed the activities of the dogs? Will he give serious consideration to this question of the deprivation of food produced by farmers on these farms?

Mr. Williams

The only power I have is, by order, to advise local authorities to see that dogs are controlled between sunset and dark, and that order has been made.