In the month of April 1905 the attention of the Secretary of State was directed to certain experiments which were performed in 1903 and the early part of 1904 by persons not holding a licence under the Act 39 & 40 Vict. c. 77. The experiments consisted in vaccinating dogs against distemper and then exposing them to infection, the object being to test the efficacy of a method of vaccination as a safeguard against this disease. The Secretary of State thereupon caused inquiries to be made, and from these it appeared that the experiments, in some instances at least, had been accompanied by pain, and were, therefore, illegal. The persons, who were not aware that their experiments were of such a kind as to come within the provisions of the Act, were suitably admonished and warned against any similar illegal action in the future. The matter was not brought to the knowledge of the Secretary of State until it was too late for further proceedings to be taken if such had been considered necessary. It is as well to point out here that to expose an animal to an infectious and painful disease like distemper is a proceeding calculated to cause pain within the meaning of the Act, and that such experiments can only be legally performed by a person holding a licence and appropriate certificates.—I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

G. D. THANE, Inspector.

The Right Hon. HerbertJohn Gladstone,
Secretary of State for the Home Department.

IRELAND

8 Ely Place, Dublin,
April 26th, 1906.

Sir,—I beg to submit Tables showing the experiments performed in Ireland during the year 1905, under the Act 39 & 40 Vict. c. 77, together with a list of the Registered Places in Ireland.

Twelve licences were in force during the year; of these four expired, and two were renewed. One new license was granted.

The certificates in existence or allowed were:—

A.to4 licensees.
B."7"
C."3"
E."2"
EE."3"
F."1 licensee.

One expired during the year, and six new ones were allowed.