§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of complaints made to the police, the local authorities 1957WA and the East Anglian Tourist Board regarding the condition of horses, ponies and caravans used by Western Wagon Train, of Peddar's Reach, Drunken Drove, Great Massingham, Norfolk, which is the successor enterprise to Romany Holidays (Mr. Tom Murfitt) and what steps are being taken to secure observance of the code of Standards for the operation of Horse drawn holiday car vans in East Anglia.
§ Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAMI have had inquiries made and I understand that there have been no recent complaints on those aspects of the enterprise which are mentioned in my noble friend's Question. I am informed that the code of practice referred to, which was drawn up by the East Anglian Tourist Board in conjunction with other bodies and authorities locally, gives guidance but is not legally enforceable. However, the board is not prepared to lend its support to the operators of horse-drawn caravan holidays who do not observe the code. Ill-use or neglect of the horses and ponies would be offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911.