HC Deb 08 February 1940 vol 357 cc430-1W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Home Secretary how many complaints regarding cock-fighting were notified to the police during the year 1939; how many cases of alleged cock-fighting were investigated; how many prosecutions were taken, and how many convictions were obtained; and whether he has any statement to make regarding measures to suppress cock-fighting in this country?

Sir J. Anderson

As the hon. Member has previously been informed, the police do their best to prevent infractions of the law on this subject and have a duty to take proceedings in any case where evidence can be obtained to support a prosecution. Having regard to the burden of the special duties falling on the police at the present time, I should not feel justified in calling upon every chief constable to make a special report giving the particulars mentioned in the Question.