HC Deb 24 March 1930 vol 237 cc30-1
60. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of horses that were exported to France or Belgium for the three months ended to the last convenient date?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Noel Buxton)

The number of horses exported to France or Belgium from Great Britain during the three months December, 1929, to February, 1930, was 970.

Mr. DAY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the majority of these horses are killed with the greatest cruelty in the slaughter-houses in Belgium and France?

Mr. BUXTON

None of these horses were for slaughter.

Mr. DAY

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of the horses which were exported to France and Belgium were exported for slaughter?

Mr. BUXTON

None of these 970 horses were for slaughter.

Mr. SMITHERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some public statement in the Press as to the true facts of the situation regarding the exportation of horses, because Members of this House are being inundated with letters from all kinds of people, and all that we want to know are the facts?

Mr. BUXTON

I made a statement in answer to a question last Thursday, and I think that their attention should be called to it.

Mr. SMITHERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement in the Press in order to save the continuance of this enormous amount of correspondence?

Mr. BUXTON

I made a full statement, and I hope that the hon. Member will look at it.

Mr. SMITHERS

I have done so.

Mr. DAY

Can my right hon. Friend say definitely that no horses have been exported to France and Belgium for slaughter during the last two or three months?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes, that is the case.