HC Deb 02 May 1932 vol 265 cc801-3
27. Sir ROBERT GOWER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, out of a consignment of three heavy draught horses which were shipped by the British steamship "Mersey" from Goole to Rotterdam, it was found on their arrival there on the 18th April that one had died en route and another was found to be suffering from such injuries sustained en route that it was necessary to shoot it immediately; whether he will state the circumstances under which the two horses sustained their injuries; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation prohibiting the export of such horses from this country abroad?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I am aware of the two casualties referred to. I understand that the three horses were shipped it Goole on 16th April, after passing the usual rigid veterinary examination as to fitness to travel and to work. There was no indication that abnormally rough weather would be encountered. The vessel, however, met heavy seas, resulting in two of the horses going down in their stalls, about five hours after leaving port. The vessel was eased, but attempts to get the horses on to their legs were unsuccessful. Each horse was made as comfortable as possible with bedding and padded sacks. One horse died, but from information supplied by the shipping company, it appears that it was not injured in any way, and showed no sign of any suffering. The other horse showed signs of great excitement, and was then killed with the humane killer to prevent it from injuring itself. As regards the last part of the question, I am satisfied that the present legislation is adequate to prevent avoidable suffering.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is high time that we dispensed altogether with this miserable trade?

Sir J. GILMOUR

All I can say is that the number of casualties arising out of the trade, under the present regulations, is comparatively small—only 44 out of 45,745 horses exported.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the Government to give facilities to a private Member's Bill to stop this trade?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not the case that the horse is an animal that Suffers extraordinary agonies from seasickness, and is it not desirable that the putting of horses on board ship should be limited as much as possible?

Sir J. GILMOUR

That is the case under the present regulations.