§ Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered the protest sent from the Social Centre Gardening Group, Merthyr Tydfil, regarding the damage done, and consequent loss of food, by sheep straying into gardens and allotments in that district; and if he will introduce legislation with a view to protecting gardeners and allotment holders against such depredations.
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§ Mr. CollickI have not seen a protest from the organisation referred to, but I am aware that some damage has been caused by sheep straying into gardens and allotments, particularly in Wales. Remedies against the owner of the sheep already exist at common law, but in view of the importance of food production during the war powers were conferred on certain County War Agricultural Executive Committees in Wales under the Livestock (Control) Order, 1942, as amended by the Livestock (Control) Amendment Order, 1944, to deal with the problem of straying sheep. I am sending the hon. Member particulars of these Orders and I do not consider that any further action by means of legislation is necessary.