§ 24. Mr. SIMMONDSasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty in manufacturing an adequate supply of British stunning instruments before the 1st January when the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933, comes into operation, in consequence of which orders are being placed abroad; and whether butchers who have placed unexecuted orders with British manufacturers can be assured that legal proceedings will not be taken where the instruments cannot be delivered before the date prescribed?
Sir H. YOUNGMy attention has been drawn to this difficulty, and I have no doubt that local authorities (with whom the enforcement of the Act rests) will be prepared to give reasonable time for the British instruments to be delivered.
§ Mr. SIMMONDSDoes not my right hon. Friend think that this important assurance should be given the widest 1463 circulation, in order that the agents in this country of these foreign manufactures may be effectively prevented from using this possibility of a prosecution to take away much needed employment from British factories?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs my right hon. Friend aware that several months ago the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals circularised all these manufacturers, urging them to make provision for this demand, which we knew would arise, but that delay has been caused through the rapid development of mechanical methods due to this Measure becoming an Act of Parliament?