HC Deb 10 July 1952 vol 503 cc110-1W
79. Lieut.-Colonel Lockwood

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the injuries caused to cattle exposed for sale in cattle markets by children and young persons; and whether he will take steps to prohibit children and young persons from frequenting that part of the market where cattle are exposed for sale, unless they are accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult person.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Apart from the two cases referred to by the hon. Member for Northfield (Mr. Chapman) during the debate on the adjournment on 18th June, I have no information about this matter. Legislation would be required to prohibit the admission of unaccompanied children to any part of a public market, and on the information before me I do not think that such legislation would be justified. The existing law is, I think, adequate to deal with children found guilty of cruelty to animals in cattle markets.