§ 20. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the increase during 1952 in convictions of young people for wilful cruelty to animals; and what steps he proposes to take to help reduce the figures.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeOfficial figures of the number of children and young persons found guilty of cruelty to animals during 1952 are not yet available.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs the Secretary of State not aware that unofficial calculations show that the figures may have gone up something like 66⅔ per cent. or 100 per cent.? In those circumstances, would he not, for example, consult the Minister of Education so that in schools there should be a little more attention to teaching children some elements of care for and understanding of animals, so that we should not have to suffer this horrible blight on the nation?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am very willing to have the consultations, and if the hon. Gentleman will refer me to the basis of his figures I should be greatly obliged.
§ Sir T. MooreIs the hon. Member who asked this Question aware that he could relieve the Government of all responsibility by making a substantial contribution to the R.S.P.C.A.?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think the Secretary of State can be held responsible for the degree of unawareness of another hon. Member.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsWould the right hon. and learned Gentleman say that, whatever the figure is, steps are being taken to reduce it?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI promised to take the course which the hon. Gentleman the Member for Northfield (Mr. Chapman) suggested. I shall certainly do it with every good will.