§ Sir G. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the case in which two persons were convicted at Stratford Police Court on eight charges of stealing cats in Ilford; whether it is known to whom these persons intended to sell these animals; what further investigations will be instituted into the methods by which animals stolen, in circumstances such as this, are disposed of; and what further action he is taking in the present case.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeYes. I understand that one of the defendants has appealed against the sentence130W imposed on him and it would not be proper for me to comment on the case at this stage. I am confident that the police take all practicable steps to deal with the stealing of animals or the purchase of stolen animals and I do not think that a general investigation of the kind suggested by my right hon. Friend would serve any useful purpose.