HC Deb 02 June 1924 vol 174 cc882-3
70. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that, under the international arrangements made between this country and France and Belgium, the traffic in worn-out horses for butchery has now ceased; whether all horses intended for food in France and Belgium are now slaughtered in this country; whether the Government have endeavoured to make similar arrangements for the slaughter in this country of horses intended for food in Holland; and what is the present position?

Mr. BUXTON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The present stringent regulations prevent the export of horses which could be described as "worn-out." Practically all horses intended for food in France and Belgium are now slaughtered in this country. With regard to Holland, representations have been made to the Dutch Government., but they are averse to slaughter in England, and prefer to import live horses for slaughter in their own country under regulations which are probably as humane as any in existence. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures showing the present position of this trade.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman insist on the fact that all horses intended for food on the other side should be butchered on this side?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman not approach the Dutch Government to see whether they cannot fall into line with the other Governments in this matter?

Mr. BUXTON

With regard to the last question, we have done so already, and we will do so again if opportunity offers. In regard to the previous question, it is not possible to distinguish between valuable horses not intended for slaughter and those which may be intended for slaughter.

Following are the figures:

Trade in Horses and Horse Carcases to the Continent.
— Belgium. France. Holland. Total.
I. CARCASES.
1920 … … … 12,950 1,800 1,227 15,977
1923 … … … 36,000* 14,000* 3,604 53,604
II. HORSES.
1920 … … … 29,843 13,274 12,951 56,068
1993 … … … 6,558 3,544 6,469 16,571
* Approximate.
Note.—The majority of the horses now shipped to France and Belgium are of considerable value. In 1923 over 90 per cent. of the horses exported from the United Kingdom were declared to the Customs to be over £20 in value and in the case of one-third the declared value was over £50.