58. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the approximate numbers of sheep and lambs killed, or maimed so severely that their subsequent slaughter has been rendered necessary, as the result of worrying by dogs, in the United Kingdom for the year ended 31st December, 1948; and, in view of the fact that these attacks take place more frequently by night than by day, whether he will consider introducing legislation compelling rural owners of dogs to keep their dogs under physical control from dusk to daylight.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. As regards the second part, regulations have been in force for many years in all country districts in Great Britain requiring dogs to be kept under control between sunset and sunrise.