HC Deb 04 July 1911 vol 27 cc969-70
Mr. PRETYMAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any recent report on the conditions under which the traffic in worn-out horses from this country for slaughter on the Continent is carried on; and will he consider whether it will be more humane to require that the animals be slaughtered prior to shipment?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Edward Strachey)

The Board receive weekly reports made on behalf of the Belgian and Netherlands Governments as well as special reports from their own inspectors. The Board have no authority for adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. PRETYMAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is very considerable mortality amongst those horses in any kind of rough weather, and whether, if he has not got authority he does not think he might ask this House for authority and that he would probably get it?

Sir E. STRACHEY

I will draw the attention of my Noble Friend to the request of the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

I should like to know whether any special inquiry has been made by the Board at eastern ports since the Diseases of Animals Act, passed last year, came into force, and which dealt with this very matter?

Sir E. STRACHEY

As I have already stated, the Board have received special reports from their inspectors.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Is the procedure different to what was adopted last year before the Act came into force?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The procedure is altered in many respects.

Mr. C. BATHURST

In this respect?

Mr. PRETYMAN

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman could tell me whether the nature of these reports is absolutely satisfactory?

Sir E. STRACHEY

Certainly, in some cases there may be room for improvement. That is the object of having the reports.