§ 39. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has 21 any information as to the number of horses exported for butchery purposes during the past six months; and whether this trade is on the increase?
Mr. GUINNESSAs far as can be judged by the inspectors stationed at the ports, about 1,600 horses were intended for immediate slaughter out of a total of 4,214 horses exported during the six months ended 31st January, 1927. With regard to the last part of the question, there has been a progressive decline in this trade during the last three years.
Colonel Sir VANSITTART-BOWATERIs it not the fact that a great amount of cruelty occurs to these horses and animals which are sent over for slaughter, and is it not possible to stop the trade altogether?
Mr. GUINNESSI would refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Committee which dealt with this matter, over which the hon. and gallant Member for Ripon (Major Hills) presided.
§ Mr. MORRISONIf I put a question down, would it be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to give the destination of these horses?
Mr. GUINNESSOh, yes; we have the destination. In the case of France and Belgium there is practicaly no export of live horses for slaughter. The trade has changed over into the form of the carcases of horses.
§ Major The Marquess of TITCHFIELDIs the light hon. Gentleman aware that there is no cruelty in the export of these horses?