§ 15. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that 50,000 horses are being sold by the Army authorities in France to the Belgians, the Foreign Office have made or will make requests to the Belgian Government to pass legislation similar to that existing in this country for ensuring the better protection of animals; what answer the Foreign Office have received to such requests; whether any similar requests have been sent to the French Government; and with what result?
Mr. HARMSWORTHNo, Sir; such a request could not be addressed to the French and Belgian Governments without implying a doubt, which mast be altogether unwarranted, as to the humane treatment which the animals concerned will receive in France and Belgium.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWould it not be well to make representations to the French and Belgian Governments asking them to pass 1107 legislation similar to that which has existed in this country for a great number of years?
Mr. HARMSWORTHIt is a difficult matter to say in the case of any foreign Government that it should pass any particular kind of legislation.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERInasmuch as we are giving them this considerable concession by selling them this large number of horses, would it not be reasonable to press for a condition of this character?