HC Deb 15 April 1907 vol 172 cc606-7
*MR. G. GREENWOOD (Peterborough)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government will bring in legislation in order to carry out the unanimous recommendations of the Committee appointed by the Admiralty in 1904 to consider the humane slaughtering of animals.

MR. JOHN BURNS

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I will give consideration to the subject, but I cannot promise to introduce legislation with regard to it during the present session.

*MR. G. GREENWOOD

Will the Government give facilities for the Bill which has passed its Second Reading in another place, with the support of the President of the Board of Agriculture, to enable public authorities to establish public slaughter-houses?

MR. JOHN BURNS

I will consider that.

*MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)

If the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the state of public business, feels it impossible to introduce legislation dealing with this subject, will he consider the desirability of issuing a circular to local bodies calling attention to the unanimous recommendations of this Committee, and of doing what he can by means of Departmental regulations?

MR. JOHN BURNS

I shall be pleased to consider that suggestion sympathetically, knowing that the hon. Gentleman has taken special interest in this matter. May I add that the Report with which his name is associated, has advanced the subject very much more than he may be disposed to think?