§ Mr. BYLESasked the hon. Gentleman whether he could give the House any statistics of the export trade from this country in decrepit worn-out horses; whether the trade was increasing; and whether the attention of the authorities was vigilantly directed to prevent cruelties and to punish offenders?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYWe have no statistics as to the number of decrepit worn-out horses exported from this country, but the extent of the trade will appear from the fact that 16,420 horses, valued at less than £5 per head, were exported in 1909. The trade shows no signs of increasing. We have frequently called the attention of the local authorities concerned to the necessity for the utmost vigilance in the supervision of this trade, and we have appointed a veterinary inspector 732 to give his undivided attention to the subject with a view to securing the efficient administration of the law. The punishment of offenders on conviction is a matter which rests with the magistrates but I may say that offences are being treated with much greater severity than was formerly the case.
§ Mr. BYLESMay I ask whether the hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to an article in "The Animals' Guardian" in which the writer gives a very definite narrative of the cruelties that he himself witnessed on the Antwerp boat?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI have not seen the article which the hon. Member mentions, but I will get it.