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Cockfighting Bill

Volume 466: debated on Friday 24 June 1949

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( Changed from BAITING OF ANIMALS BILL)

As amended (in the Standing Committee) considered.

Clause 1—(Possession Of Animals And Appliances For Use In Fighting Or Baiting Rendered Unlawful)

2.15 p.m.

I beg to move, in page 1, line 9, to leave out from "shall," to "in," and to insert:

"if the court be satisfied that it was."
There are three Amendments on the Order Paper and I should like to deal with them together. They are put down on the advice of my hon. Friends and I think that they have the agreement of the Government. The first places the onus on the courts and not on the individual. The second Amendment in page 2, line 4, to leave out "bird," and to insert "domestic fowl," is proposed because we thought that the term "domestic fowl" was less likely to be confusing——

I think that the hon. Gentleman ought to move the Amendments one by one.

Amendment agreed to.

I beg to move, in page 2, line 4, to leave out "bird," and to insert "domestic fowl."

This Amendment makes for clarity, and it will avoid confusion.

Amendment agreed to.

I beg to move, in page 2, line 7, at the end, to add:

"(4) The expression 'domestic fowl,' shall be deemed to include 'gamecock.'"
This Amendment is proposed in order to link up with the earlier Amendment which has just been approved.

Amendment agreed to.

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

In moving the Third Reading I shall not elaborate any of the arguments made earlier. I take this opportunity of making my acknowledgements to the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department and his colleagues in the Home Office, and to hon. Gentlemen in all parts of the House.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.

Adjournment

Resolved, "That this House do now adjourn."—[ Mr. Bowden.]

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty Minutes past Two o'Clock.