§ 2.34 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to outbreaks of stock rustling from isolated farms, and, if so, whether appropriate steps have been taken to safeguard farmers against heavy financial losses which may be incurred through these despicable acts of stealing.]
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, the Government have no reason to think that the penalties at present provided by law are inadequate or that the police do not give all the assistance that lies within their power.
§ LORD WISEMy Lords, whilst thanking the noble Earl for his Answer, may I say that I am not so much concerned with the question of the police and of fines, as with stopping this particular practice which I understand has now opened up again. I am aware of two serious cases of stock rustling, and I hope that possibly the Department of the Minister might advise auctioneers and certification centres that no stock should be received from a suspicious quarter. I think it is important that we should deal with this problem, and, with that in mind, I would ask the noble Earl whether he will make representations to his Department in this matter.
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I am not quite certain that what the noble Lord says is completely relevant to his 1072 Question. I am quite certain that the police and auctioneers will work closely together, should such cases come to their notice, but I think I should make it clear to the noble Lord that, although in his part of the world there is an increase in the number of cases (there were only 3 in 1958, but 13 in 1959) it is not true to say that for the rest of the country there is a big increase in cattle-rustling cases.
§ LORD WISEMy Lords, a very serious case occurred the other day which involved a particular farmer in a heavy loss. I think we should try to "nip this in the bud" if we possibly can.
LORD HAWKEMy Lords, can Her Majesty's Government say whether the increase in these cases is in any way due to the increased showing of Westerns on television?
§ LORD DERWENTMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether the three cases he mentioned include the stealing of sheep?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, no. The stealing of sheep is especially troublesome in Scotland. These three cases are not concerned with sheep.
LORD REAMy Lords, is the noble Earl aware that not only in Scotland but in the North Western add rather rugged parts of England sheep-stealing is prevalent, as well as cattle stealing, and that it is usually countered by carefully marking by farmers, on the ear or on some part of the anatomy of the sheep? Could the noble Earl say whether it is possible for this practice to be more widespread so that farmers who are buying stock can see whether it is stolen or not?
VISCOUNT ELIBANKCould the noble Earl say how many cases of sheep and cattle stealing have been brought to his attention?
EARL BATHURSTMy Lords, I do not think that we have any figures with regard to cases in Scotland, but if the noble Viscount will put down a Question I am sure that my noble friend will be happy to answer it.