§ LORD DOWDINGMy Lords, I beg leave 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 they are aware of the activities of an organization which is attempting to introduce bull-fighting into this country, and to ask if the existing laws are adequate to frustrate any such attempt.]
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I have seen a Press report about a proposal to introduce bull-fighting, but I am glad to be able to tell the noble Lord that this is clearly illegal under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, and the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act, 1912.
§ LORD DOWDINGMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Earl for his very reassuring reply.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, may I ask the noble Earl whether, if it were the Portuguese type of bull-fighting, where the horse and the bull are not harmed in any way, that would be legal?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I think that whatever type of bull-fighting is proposed there is bound to be baiting of an animal in some respect, and therefore clearly those two Acts which I mentioned to the noble and gallant Lord would prevent it.