§ As amended (in the Standing Committee,) considered.
§ 11.53 a.m.
§ Sir Sidney Marshall (Sutton and Cheam)I beg to move. "That the Bill be now read the Third time."
This small Bill remedies omissions in existing legislation relating to the illegality of cockfighting. Up to now no provision has been made relating to the keeping or preparation of birds for the purpose of cockfighting. It is well-known that since cockfighting itself is illegal it has always been difficult to bring proceedings because these mains or fights have always been held in secret.
It was known that people did prepare and keep birds for fighting purposes and there was no method by which these people could be prevented from doing that. This small Bill remedies those omissions by making it possible to prosecute and secure the conviction of people who keep and prepare birds in such a fashion that cockfights can be held at any time.
§ Mr. Philip Bell (Bolton, East)I beg to second the Motion.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.