HC Deb 20 June 1968 vol 766 cc1289-90
13. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to alleviate the effect of animal trespass on the roads and elsewhere in the valleys of South Wales.

16. Mr. Abse

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is aware of increasing public concern with the problems created by sheep trespass in the urban areas of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and whether he will initiate inter-Departmental discussions with a view to minimising the present nuisances and hazards.

Mr. George Thomas

I am aware of this problem, and am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about the suggestions for dealing with it made at my meeting with those of my hon. Friends who came to discuss this matter on 28th May.

Mr. Probert

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the prompt attention that he gave to the deputation which met him. and while appreciating that this problem will take a long time to solve, may I ask whether, in view of the distress caused over many years to motorists, farmers, gardeners, and the animals, he will give this matter urgent consideration, possibly by setting up a working party to look at this quickly?

Mr. Thomas

I do not under-estimate the seriousness of this problem. I know that in the valleys of South Wales it is a grievous problem. I can assure my hon. Friend that I will look very seriously at his proposal for a working party, and that the discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture are proceeding apace.

Mr. Abse

Would the Secretary of State bear in mind that, complex and difficult as this problem is, if the sheep and ponies were behaving in the streets of Cardiff and London as they behaved in Blaenavon and Garndiffaigh, there would already have been urgent attention given to it? Would he note that the steps that he has already taken are looked upon with great interest by all the people of the Monmouthshire valleys?

Mr. Thomas

My hon. Friend is dealing with a serious subject and I understand his sense of concern. I will gladly bear in mind what he has said.

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