HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc911-3
34. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the Report of the inspector who was sent to inquire into the condition of horses shipped from this country as they arrive at continental ports has yet been received; and whether there is any reason why it should not be published for the information of Parliament and the numerous persons in this country who are deeply interested in the worn-out horse traffic?

38. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any of the inspectors in connection with the worn-out horse traffic with the Continent have visited Amsterdam or other continental ports, to which such horses are exported in large numbers; what report has been received with regard to the state of such horses on arrival; and whether arrangements have yet been completed for the slaughter in this country of worn-out horses which are now being exported for slaughter on the Continent?

40. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether any representations have been received by his Department from the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or any other similar body, with reference to the traffic of worn-out horses with the Continent; and whether he would permit inspectors of the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to be present on any occasion at the examination of the animals?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

The report of the Ministry's inspector who was instructed to inquire into the condition of the horses shipped from this country to the Continent has now been received, and I shall be glad to send a copy to my hon. Friends, and to publish it if they so do sire. The report shows that in certain cases insufficient care was taken in the examination of some of the horses, and, as stated in the reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Wands-worth on the 4th inst., the Ministry has dispensed with the services of the veterinary surgeons who were responsible. The Ministry is considering the advisability of appointing whole-time inspectors at all the principal ports from which horses are exported, and the Ministry would welcome the presence of inspectors of the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the examination of the horses. With regard to the concluding portion of the question of the hon. Member for South Kensington, arrangements have already been made with the French Government for the slaughter in this country of horses intended for food, and the Ministry is endeavouring to make similar arrangements with the Belgian and Dutch Governments.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will legislation be necessary in order to carry out these improved conditions of this worn-out horse traffic?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

No legislation will be necessary to carry out the improvements that I have described.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will they be put in hand as soon as possible?

Sir W. DAVISON

Following up the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, for which I am obliged, may I ask if this Report will be published, in view of the great anxiety that has been caused by the reports that have been so widely circulated as to the condition in which these horses arrived?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, I have already said that if my hon. Friends desire it I will do it.

Mr. R. GWYNNE

What steps will be taken in the meantime to appoint another inspector or inspectors to take the place of the discharged one?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

We employ not only whole-time inspectors, but veterinary surgeons as well, and we can employ some of these.