§ Mr. WILLIAM YOUNGERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture when he expects to have the first Returns giving information regarding the traffic in worn-out horses, as to which he has been in communication with the Belgian and Dutch Governments, and if he will publish such information when received; whether the provisions in the Exportation of Horses Order, 1898, as to suitable accommodation for these horses on board ship are rigidly enforced; whether the inspectors have power to insist on rugs being provided for the horses during the sea passage in cold and inclement weather; if he will instruct the inspectors to note and enumerate the number of old and cast troop-horses which are annually included in this traffic; if he is aware that a slaughter-house is to be erected at Antwerp, where horses which are unable to walk are to be taken in special vehicles, showing that horses for which provision has to be made are not fit to be exported by sea without undergoing great suffering; and whether he will communicate with the Belgian Government with a view to obtaining the relaxation of the restrictions upon the importation of dead meat as far as horseflesh is concerned, and so enable His Majesty's Government to enforce the slaughtering of all horses intended for consumption as food at the port of embarkation?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board are in communication with the Governments mentioned as to the issue of the Returns to which my hon. Friend refers, and it is hoped that they will be available shortly. Bugs are not generally provided, but the provisions of the Exportation of Horses Order, 1898, both with regard to accommodation and protection against undue exposure to the weather, are, I believe, rigidly enforced. It is not practicable to obtain information as to the number of old and cast troop-horses exported. I am aware of and welcome the proposal to erect a slaughter-house in Antwerp near the quay at which the horses are landed, but the President does not see his way at present to adopt the suggestion made in the final paragraph of the question.
§ Mr. WILLIAM YOUNGERIn view of the hardships which these animals undergo when being transferred by sea, will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of appointing a veterinary surgeon to see if the horses are fit to undertake these hardships?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYPerhaps the hon. Member would give me notice.
§ Mr. G. D. FABERWould the hon. Gentleman represent to the President of the Board of Agriculture the advisability of introducing legislation rendering illegal this horrible traffic?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI will bring the hon. Gentleman's question to the notice of the President.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTDid not I ask an exactly similar question last week?