HC Deb 22 December 1971 vol 828 cc1493-4
10. Mr. Brewis

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how frequently inspections are carried out of wild life parks and premises where wild animals are kept to ensure that such animals as wolves and brown bear do not escape, and again become indigenous to Scotland.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

An absolute duty to ensure that wild animals do not escape rests with those in charge of a wild life park or other such premises where animals are kept. In law a strict liability lies upon those in charge of such animals for any damage they may cause if they escape or get out of control.

Mr. Brewis

Has my hon. Friend seen a recent Press report that a giant turtle which escaped in Arbroath was, happily, recaptured a few days later? When will his Department recapture the wild boar which has been loose in Galloway for at least a year? Does my hon. Friend agree that proper precautions should be taken to see that these ferocious creatures do not escape?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I confess that what happened in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) had escaped my notice. I was, however, aware of what had happened in the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Galloway (Mr. Brewis) and I will certainly look into the representations he has made. I hope that at this festive season he will exclude reindeer from his strictures.

Sir F. Maclean

Is not the wild boar the symbol of the Clan Campbell?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

That is correct.