HC Deb 08 May 1964 vol 694 cc1621-2
Sir J. Lucas

I beg to move, in page 4, line 20, at the end, to insert, "to the rider".

The Amendment concerns a matter about which the National Farmers' Union has been a little worried. It was thought that if a pony bolted, ran out into a street and hurt itself, an offence would be committed. The intention, however, is that an offence would be caused only in the case of defective harness which is visibly defective. One knows quite well that during a race the saddle might slip. Accidents like this are practically unavoidable. If, however, the harness or the equipment is defective, our concern is to ensure that the child is protected. This means that the owner of the horse or pony must keep the harness in good order. If it is merely tied up with string and an accident occurs, the owner must take the consequences.

Mr. Woodhouse

Perhaps I might briefly add to the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, South (Sir J. Lucas) that it seems desirable to clarify the point that the accident envisaged is an accident to the rider. I am sure that this will give comfort and reassurance to the hon. Member for Luton (Mr. Howie) and be acceptable to the House.

Dr. Alan Glyn

This is a small but important matter. It is extremely easy to saddle a horse and not be able to see the defective saddlery until an accident occurs. The Amendment meets the point made by the National Farmers' Union, and I hope that the House will accept it.

Amendment agreed to.