§ Colonel Burtonasked the Secretary of State for War the circumstances in which, and the length of time for which, Huntsman Harry Roberts was temporarily released from the Army temporarily to resume his duties with the Plas Machynlleth foxhounds?
§ Mr. SandysThe soldier in question was released from the Army for a period of six months as a result of strong recommendations by the Ministry of Agriculture. In support of the application it was stated that these hounds were maintained for the sole purpose of protecting sheep and poultry from foxes, and that since his enlistment farmers had suffered severe losses. The Ministry are satisfied that in this mountainous district the only effective method of keeping down the foxes is to hunt them on foot with hounds and to drive them towards guns or towards their earths, where they are destroyed by terriers or other means.