§ 37. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to state whether he has decided to increase the penalties for contravention of the anti-rabies laws, following his discussions with chief constables; if he will empower magistrates to imprison deliberate offenders against the animal quarantine regulations; and if he intends generally to raise the level of fines to keep abreast of inflation.
§ Mr. JohnMy Department has reviewed certain maximum summary fines, including those which may be imposed on conviction of an offence under the Rabies (Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Importation Order 1974. We have concluded that there is a case for increasing the maximum summary fines for rabies offences and for some others, and we intend to do so at a suitable legislative opportunity. As to imprisonment, I would refer the hon. Member to658W The answer I gave to his Question 12th October.—[Vol. 917, c. 85.]