§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the statement that the steamship Sheffield, which collided on the 14th ultimo off Yarmouth with the Londoner, was carrying a cargo of old horses from Grimsby to Antwerp; if he can say if such shipments are frequent, and if it is a fact that they are consigned to Belgium in order to be made into food, and in such case what steps are taken to prevent such food coming into the English market in the shape of sausages and preserved or potted meat; And if the port officers of the Board of Trade will have especial instructions to see that 519 no cruelty is practised in placing the animals, worn out in English service, on board ship and conveying them to butchers abroad?
§ MR. MUNDELLAMy attention has been called to the statement that the Sheffield was carrying old horses when she collided with the Londoner. I am informed that she had nine old horses on board consigned to Belgium to be made into food, but not for the English market. Horseflesh is a common article of diet on the Continent, and shipments from Grimsby to Antwerp are not infrequent. The Board of Agriculture have power to make regulations for the prevention of cruelty, and any complaints on this head should be brought to the notice of that Department.
§ COLONEL HOWARD VINCENTHas no complaint been received?
§ MR. MUNDELLANone.
§ MR. STUART-WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)Has the right hon. Gentleman any ground for supposing any cruelty is practised on board these ships?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI have received no complaints whatever.