§ 57. Mr. MILLSasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the continued export of broken down horses for slaughter; if he is aware that a weekly contract is still continuing at Vaugirard; and whether he can promise early legislation to deal with this problem?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONThe export of broken down horses is already prohibited and the question of further legislation to deal with this problem does not therefore arise. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir G. Hamilton) on the 20th March, of which I am sending him a copy. I have no knowledge of any weekly contract for the supply of horses to Vaugirard.
§ Mr. MILLSIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to investigate the allegation that this export is continuing?
§ Mr. BUXTONCertainly. We are constantly following the facts, and our inspector is frequently travelling for the purpose.
§ Mr MONDAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that he is satisfied with the condition of this trade?
§ Sir BASIL PETODoes the right hon. Gentleman still maintain that the answer which he recently gave in the House, that no British horses are slaughtered in Vaugirard, is in accordance with the facts?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe only new fact that I have to add, since I last answered a question, is that seven horses have been sent to Vaugirard, but they were all killed by shooting.