§ 51. Mr. SMITH-CARINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture how many horses were exported during the years 1930 and 1931, respectively, to the several European countries, and their declared values; and whether he can state how many were exported for slaughter?
§ Major ELLIOTI am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving such information as is available as to the numbers of horses exported from Great Britain to the various European countries in 1930 and 1931, and the numbers shipped during those years for the purpose of immediate slaughter. I regret that there are no separate figures available showing the declared value of exports from Great Britain to the several European countries.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that of the 6,000 horses which were exported in 1931 from this country to the Continent, 2,400, according to Dutch statistics, were earmarked for immediate slaughter?
§ Following is the statement:
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)For the Indian Civil Service the estimated sum for the year ending 31st March, 1933, is just over £1,000,000. The answer to the second part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. With respect to the third part, appropriation of capital assets to meet pensionary charges is not contemplated, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the need for including in the new constitution the strongest possible safeguards for such charges is fully recognised, and in this connection I would 1079 refer him to the answer given to the hon. Member for Preston (Mr. Kirk-patrick) on the 7th March last.
§ Mr. RHYSCan my hon. Friend say whether, if the safeguards should fail, any provision will be made for the pensioners?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am convinced that the safeguards will be adequate to meet this very important charge.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLCan the hon. Gentleman inform me whether there is any definite rule which prohibits retired Indian civil servants from writing libellous and offensive articles concerning the administration?
§ Mr. BUTLERThat matter does not arise out of the question.
§ Mr. GRENFELLSeeing that these people, while so doing, are being paid out of Government funds, should not there be some control?
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXDoes my hon. Friend consider that retired Indian civil servants should be satisfied with this guarantee?
§ Mr. BUTLERI think, if my hon. and gallant Friend will wait and see the guarantee, he will be perfectly satisfied.