HL Deb 06 March 1969 vol 300 cc271-2
THE EARL OF ARRAN

My 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 will encourage research into a reliable form of oral contraception for dogs and cats so that thousands of puppies and kittens may be saved from death, often in conditions of great cruelty.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)

My Lords, not financially. If there is a demand from pet owners for this method of population control, commercial interests will no doubt consider meeting it.

THE EARL OF ARRAN

My Lords, may I ask whether the Minister is aware that as a result of my putting down this Question information has come to me that a product of the desired nature is to be marketed by a British company within the next week or so? Can the Minister confirm that this is the case?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, I was not aware that that information had come to the noble Lord. It had come to me.

LORD LEATHERLAND

My Lords, may not this proposal do harm to the particular company in this great £50 million a year pet food industry, the firm which advertises that its product "prolongs active life"?

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

On the other hand my lords, would not this be an excellent opportunity for research to be done into oral contraceptives for both sexes of the species?

LORD KENNET

My Lords, if I understood the noble Earl's Question, it might have covered both sexes of the species concerned.

THE EARL OF ARRAN

My Lords, may I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they realise that this is a matter which greatly concerns animal lovers, and particularly young children, quite apart from the animals themselves? I have had more correspondence on this matter than over the Sexual Offences Bill, though somewhat less abusive.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, the Government realise very well that this is a serious matter and a large matter; a large number of animals and therefore a large number of pet owners are deeply concerned about it. It is not the function of the Government to give advice to pet owners on this topic, but it is worth remembering that the cheapest and probably safest method of achieving the desired end is to keep the bitch or cat indoors when it is in season.

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