HC Deb 19 July 1922 vol 156 cc2071-2
41. Captain W. BENN

asked the Minister of Agriculture what regulations exist to prevent unnecessary suffering during the voyage of live cattle imported into this country; and whether such Regulations are effective?

QUANTITY AND VALUE of Sea Fish of British taking returned as landed in Great Britain during the six months ending 30th June in 1920, 1921 and 1922.
— Wet Fish. Shell Fish Value. Total Value.
Quantity. Value.
Cwts. £ £ £
1920 … … … 8,030,668 12,853,149 357,321 13,210,470
1921 … … … 6,406,970 10,865,784 340,373 11,206,157
1922 … … … 7,361,179 8,580,149 269,822 8,849,971
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

Regulations for the protection of animals from unnecessary suffering during the voyage to this country are, as regards animals from abroad, contained in Chapter 6 of the Foreign Animals Order of 1910, and as regards animals from Ireland, in Part I of the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912, copies of which I will send to the hon. Member. Judging from the inspection of the fittings in the vessels engaged in this trade, and the number of casualties reported, I am satisfied that the Regulations are as effective as can be expected, but a certain amount of suffering is unavoidable in the ease of voyages across the Atlantic.

Captain BENN

Then, the right hon. Gentleman is of opinion that live cattle can be imported into this country under Regulations which, in his judgment, are, on the whole, effective?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I said, "as effective as can be expected." It is obvious that a certain amount of suffering is entailed, but that is unavoidable.

Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAY

Is there any more suffering in this case than is entailed when a race horse is sent over to the United States of America?

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