§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the entertainment it is proposed to hold at Olympia this year, when 70 lions are to appear in a cage with a single man in their midst; and what steps he is taking to ensure that no cruelty to the animals, voluntary or otherwise, is involved?
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§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I have no information which would lead me to think that cruelty to the animals is involved in the performance. But if any offence should be committed against, the Protection of Animals Acts, the offender would, of course, be liable to criminal proceedings, and after the end of this year the new powers given by the Performing Animals Act of the present Session will also be available.