HC Deb 06 January 1913 vol 46 cc845-6W
Mr. GEORGE GREENWOOD

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that foxes are from time to time imported into this country from abroad for the purpose of being hunted; whether any record is kept of the number of foxes so imported; whether such imported foxes are subject to the provisions of the Importation of Dogs Order; and, if not, whether he will take steps to make those provisions applicable to all foxes so imported?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The importation of foxes into Great Britain from foreign countries is regulated by the Importation of Canine Animals Order of 1909, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. It is provided by the Order that no fox shall be landed except by a licence of the Board. Thirty-eight foxes of various kinds were landed in 1910, ten in 1911, and eight in 1912; and of these, six in 1910, two in 1911, and six in 1912, were taken direct to zoological gardens or menageries; the remainder were detained on private premises, and I have no information as to the purpose for which they were imported.