HC Deb 16 March 1922 vol 151 cc2376-7
93. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Agriculture the precise terms of the agreement which has been made between the Government and the respective Belgian and Dutch Governments as to the slaughter on this side of horses intended to be sent abroad for food; and whether the export of all horses from this country has been stopped unless they are proved to be fit for useful and substantial work?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)

The Belgian and Dutch Governments have agreed not to put obstacles in the way of the importation of horse flesh, and a considerable increase in this trade has recently taken place. It would be impracticable to make a definite agreement to prevent the slaughter in Belgium or Holland of any horses exported from this country. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

94. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to statements publicly made by Miss Cole, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to the effect that the "Mersey," from Goole, reached Antwerp on 24th January last with one horse dead, one so injured that it had to be killed at the dock, and one that had to be conveyed to the slaughter-house on a float; that on another line from Leith last year an average of one horse in each hundred reached Antwerp dead or fatally injured; whether he will inquire into the truth of these statements, and what arrangements are made for inspection of the accommodation, feeding, and watering of horses on board ship or on arrival abroad which are exported from this country?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, out of 831 horses shipped from Leith to Antwerp last year there were eight casualties, all of which occurred before the system of inspection was reorganised. With regard to the last part of the question, a new Order relating to the transit of horses was issued on the 21st December last, the requirements of which have to be complied with by an early date. By this Order a daily ration is prescribed for every horse car ried, together with a surplus for emergencies. Inspectors of the Ministry go on board and see that this is provided. Horses are also required to be watered before being shipped. A superintending inspector of the Ministry frequently meets the vessels on arrival on the Continent, and he has reported that adequate provision is made for feeding and watering the animals on disembarkation.

Sir J. BUTCHER

If facilities are given for inspectors will the right hon. Gentleman see if the arrangements made abroad for these horses are satisfactory?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I think so. At any rate, I have the fullest report from our own inspectors that the arrangements are satisfactory.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Including the methods of slaughter?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

Obviously, I have no control over the methods of slaughter. All we can do as to that is to make representations.