§ 43. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now in a position to state how long the Committee appointed by him to consider the exportation of horses for butchery purposes will take to prepare its Report?
Mr. WOODAs the inquiry has only just commenced, I am not yet in a position to say when a Report may be expected, but I should not anticipate that the investigation need be of long duration.
§ Mr. BUXTONWill the inquiry include the question of horses slaughtered for food in this country, i.e., how far they are slaughtered by the humane killer?
Mr. WOODI do not think so, but, as the right hon. Gentleman is aware, I gave the terms of reference last week, and, if my memory serves me correctly, they are concerned only with the export trade in horses.
§ Mr. BUXTONIf it be not too late, will the right hon. Gentleman try to arrange to include the point?
Mr. WOODI will certainly consider that, if it be not too late. I will put that point to the Committee.