asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to announce the terms of reference of the committee to be set up to inquire into alleged cruelty to animals.

Not yet, Sir, but I hope to be in a position to make a statement in the near future.

May I ask the Home Secretary by whom the terms of reference will be drafted, and whether this House will have an opportunity of debating them before a final decision is taken?

I am drafting the terms of reference and they will be reported to the House.

May I further ask the Home Secretary, bearing in mind the great importance of keeping these terms of reference as wide as possible, if he can say, for example, whether there will be inquiry into alleged cruelty to fish?

No, Sir. I think it is desirable that these terms of reference should be such that a report can be made and submitted to the House in a reasonably short space of time.