HC Deb 19 May 1919 vol 116 c65W
Colonel WESTON

asked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry, in view of the spread of rabies in this country, the belief that dogs are being imported from dangerous countries by airmen, and the fact that outbreaks seem to have origin close to well-known aerodromes, if he will institute a Court of Inquiry to investigate the matter at Home and Continental aerodromes between which there is communication; will he furnish as far as possible to the proper authorities at Home the number of dogs so imported during the last twelve months, the names of the airmen who brought them over, and the names and addresses of the receivers of such dogs; and will he state what steps are taken by the military authorities at the ports of embarkation abroad and disembarkation at Home to ensure that dogs are not smuggled home, apart from the mere notification to troops and women who have been on service that it is forbidden?

Major-General SEELY

The Air Ministry has no information which bears out the suggestion that dogs have been imported by aeroplane. The matter is one which has received, and will continue to receive, close attention. Inquiries as to the procedure at ports of embarkation should be addressed to the War Office.