§ 4. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to the number of cows and heifers being slaughtered in Scotland for beef instead of being kept for breeding and milking; and whether he will take steps to secure that neither the supply of milk nor of young store cattle is seriously diminished by this practice?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)My attention has been called to this matter by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, who dc not consider that the practice is at present so general as to warrant the exercise by them of the powers conferred on them by the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1914, but they have, with my approval, published notices in the newspapers and at the markets where the practice mainly prevails appealing to all concerned to put a stop to it and warning them that if it continues the Board may be compelled to put into force the powers conferred on them by the Act.
§ 5. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that for the next two months an average of 1,000 calves will be sold in Scotland; whether he is aware that at present a large proportion of calves only a few days old are being slaughtered for food; and whether anything will be done to conserve such animals for future use?
Mr. McKINNON WOODInquiry has been made by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, but they have no reason to believe that any slaughter of calves is taking place beyond that which usually occurs at this season of male calves of the Ayrshire breed which it is not profitable to keep for the production of beef. The Board are satisfied that no undue slaughtering is taking place of female Ayrshire calves or of calves of other breeds suitable for keeping for feeding purposes. It is not proposed, therefore, to take any special action in the matter.
Mr. McKINNON WOODCertainly. If my hon. Friend has evidence of any cases, I shall be very glad to consider them.