§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that Middle East Airlines were fined the maximum of £400 with £75 costs at the Uxbridge Magistrates Court on 3rd April 1978 for importing a dog contrary to the anti-rabies law, and as this punishment is not likely to
474Wreturned to the United Kingdom in breach of deportation orders made previously.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe figures under the provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 specified are as follows:
be a deterrent to such organisations, if he will seek to amend the law to enable airline licences to be withdrawn in such cases.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe maximum summary fine for an offence under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974 was increased to £1,000 by Section 55 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, which came into force on 8th September. Offences committed before that date are liable only to the old maximum fine of £400. Offences committed knowingly, and with intent to evade the controls of the importation of animals, may be tried on indictment, when the Crown court may impose an unlimited fine. I am satisfied that the powers of the court are adequate.