§ 66. Mr. BECKERasked the Minister of Agriculture the total number of worn-out horses which have been sent out of England to the Continent during the last 12 months?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Mr. W. R. Smith)No worn-out or decrepit horses are exported from this country. The Ministry's Regulations, which are very strictly enforced, provide that all horses exported must be examined by the Ministry's veterinary inspectors and certified as being in every sense sound working horses.
§ Mr. E. WOODIs the hon. Member aware that before the examination takes place worn-out horses have to walk many miles?
§ Mr. BECKERIf I put another question clown, will the hon. Member give me figures of the number of horses that have been exported to Spain for bull-fighting?
§ Mr. HOFFMANHas the attention of the hon. Member been drawn to the statement made by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as to the treatment that is being meted out in France to these animals sent over for butchery, and will he make representations to France in regard to the matter?
§ Mr. SIMPSONHas not this point been inquired into by the Minister of Agriculture and their Report published a few days ago?
§ Mr. SMITHIn answer to the Supplementary question as to the treatment of horses in France, we have only jurisdiction on this side of the channel, but we take all steps possible to see that the export of horses is carried out under proper conditions. I do not think it is possible to do anything on the other side of the channel, but I will inquire.