HL Deb 18 May 1954 vol 187 cc641-2
LORD AMMON

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any statement will be issued as to the result of the interview of the Royal Hunt Committee with the Home Secretary concerning cruelty to horses running in the Grand National, as announced in the House on the 6th April.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD LLOYD)

My Lords, the noble Lord will no doubt have seen reports of the state- ment issued by the National Hunt Committee.

LORD AMMON

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reference. Evidently this is a case either of intelligent anticipation or of a desire that there should not be any further discussion. Nevertheless, it would be somewhat ungracious if I did not acknowledge that our complaint has not been without some measure of success, which in itself is worth noting. The National Hunt Committee were judges in their own cause, and if they have seen fit to make some recommendation then something has indeed been gained. Therefore I want to express my thanks for that and to promise that we shall press forward.