§ 89. Brigadier-General COLVINasked 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. BOSCAWENNo. 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 COLVINIs 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. BOSCAWENYes, 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. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the policy of slaughtering on this side is proceeding satisfactorily? That is a very important point.
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, 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. DAVISONHas an agreement been arrived at with Belgium on the same lines as that with France?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, 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. BUTCHERCan 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. BOSCAWENThe law that no horses can be exported unless they are fit both to travel and to work is most rigorously carried out.
§ Mr. HURDHas 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. BOSCAWENI have already told the House that the Belgian Government now allow animals to be imported after slaughter on this side.