HC Deb 15 February 1922 vol 150 cc1020-1
89. Brigadier-General COLVIN

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the continued cruelty to, and suffering of, horses exported to Belgium for butchery; and whether he will take drastic measures to prevent a continuation of the barbarities connected with this trade?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

No. Sir. In view of the stringent regulations governing the exportation of horses which are now in force, I cannot agree that horses which are shipped to the Continent are subjected to cruelty or suffering. I am, however, prepared to institute an inquiry into any specific allegations of cruelty which may be brought to my notice.

Brigadier-General COLVIN

Is it not the fact that many of these horses are taken a very considerable distance before they are slaughtered, and that often the methods of slaughter are very primitive and brutal?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, but I cannot be responsible for what happens on the other side. All I can do is to see that no cruelty is involved in shipping the animals or in transporting them.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the policy of slaughtering on this side is proceeding satisfactorily? That is a very important point.

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, Sir, to a very large extent the policy of slaughtering on this side and exporting the carcases is taking the place of sending out live animals.

Sir W. DAVISON

Has an agreement been arrived at with Belgium on the same lines as that with France?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, Sir. The Belgium authorities are willing to accept the carcases of animals slaughtered on this side, on practically the same terms as the French.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the horses are always slaughtered on this side unless they are really fit to travel and work?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The law that no horses can be exported unless they are fit both to travel and to work is most rigorously carried out.

Mr. HURD

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to get into touch with the Belgian Government and to represent to them the difficulty of the situation unless they co-operate with the British Government in securing humane methods of slaughter in Belgium?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Yes, I have been in touch with the Belgian Government for the last six months.

Mr. HURD

With what effect?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Very good effect.

Mr. HURD

What has been the result?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I have already told the House that the Belgian Government now allow animals to be imported after slaughter on this side.

Mr. HURD

That is not my point.