§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Home Secretary the number of dogs reported by owners to the Landon Metropolitan police as being missing or having been stolen during the past 12 months, and which dogs have not returned to or been recovered by their owners?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI regret that these figures cannot he given except at the expenditure of a large amount of labour throughout the Metropolitan Police District, and no reliable information could in any case be given as to 1393W the number of such dogs who have not returned to or been recovered by their owners, since many owners do not notify police of the return or recovery of a dog.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, with a view to deterring the adoption of puppies and their subsequently being turned adrift by their owners, he will consider the advisability of taxing dogs at an earlier age than six months?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not sure that the adoption of my hon. Friend's proposal would lead to the attainment of the result which he desires. I have, however, noted the suggestion.