HC Deb 08 November 1928 vol 222 cc220-2
51. Mr. AMMON

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that ponies are being rounded up on Dartmoor and sold and exported to the Continent under conditions which entail great suffering to the animals; and what steps are taken to prevent this practice?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

I am aware that ponies from Dartmoor are being shipped to the Continent, but after thorough investigation I am satisfied that the export takes place strictly in accordance with the Acts relating to the exportation of horses, which require every animal to be passed by an inspector of the Ministry as fit to be conveyed and disembarked without cruelty and to be worked without suffering. I am satisfied that every pony which has been exported has fully com- plied with these requirements, and that their transport does not involve cruelty to the animals. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. AMMON

Has not the right hon. Gentleman seen the statements, particularly in the West Country Press, to the effect that these half-wild animals have been subjected to great cruelty, and have been exported suffering from injuries, in some cases amounting to broken limbs?

Mr. GUINNESS

I have seen those statements, and have inquired into them, and find them to be entirely without foundation.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Does the right hon. Gentleman know if any of these ponies are used for consumption as meat?

Mr. GUINNESS

I do not think it is at all likely, seeing that the cost of exporting them varies from£5 to£8 10s., the price received for them at auction is not less than£10, and the amount. which they are worth as meat is about£3. It would certainly pay nobody to export them for that purpose.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry as to what they are used for?

Mr. GUINNESS

Yes, indeed, I have. We have information that they are chiefly bought for use in small carts, milk floats, and for hawking round vegetables and so on.

Viscountess ASTOR

Seeing that the Government have really taken trouble about this matter, and as there is so much misrepresentation in regard to it, could they find some way of making it better known, particularly in the West country?

Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELS

Is it not the case that these animals have been sold here for about 15s. each, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think, in view of that small price, that cruelty and carelessness are much more likely to take place than in the case of more expensive animals?

Mr. GUINNESS

That, apparently, refers to sales here, whereas the question on the Paper refers to sales abroad. I do not think I could answer without notice.

Dr. SHIELS

Would not the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider the prevention of the exportation of these semi-wild animals?

Mr. GUINNESS

I do not think that there is any case on the ground of cruelty for preventing the export of them any snore than of other horses.