HC Deb 29 May 1930 vol 239 c1484
83. Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any grants were made from the Exchequer for the purpose of the welfare of animals during the last financial year other than for the expenses of inspectors under the Cruelty of Animals Act; and, if so, how much, and to whom they were paid?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

As the answer is a long one, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Separate provision is made in the Estimates for the salaries and expenses of inspectors appointed under Section 109 (3) of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, for the purpose of examining into the care and treatment of the horses and other animals used in mines. Expenditure under this head in the last financial year amounted to approximately £4,750. In this matter there is a considerable amount of work falling on general inspectors of mines and in connection with prosecutions, but it is not possible to give even an approximate estimate of the cost of these services.

Various other measures are directed wholly or partly at the humane treatment of animals, e.g., the Importation of Plumage (Prohibition) Act, 1921 (administered by the Board of Trade and Customs and Excise); orders by the Ministry of Agriculture dealing with the care and protection of animals during transit, for instance the Conveyance of Live Poultry Order and the Exportation of Horses, Asses and Mules Orders. The work involved by the above is carried out by the officers of the appropriate departments in the course of their duties. The cost, therefore, though no doubt very considerable in the aggregate, cannot be distinguished separately.