§ 44. Colonel BROADBENTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state how many aged horses were exported from this country during the year 1933 for the purpose of slaughter abroad; where the same were respectively slaughtered; and whether he is satisfied that the same were humanely slaughtered and not subjected to suffering between the port of export and the actual killing?
§ Mr. ELLIOT3,179 horses in all were exported to the Continent of Europe during the year 1933. I have no precise information as to the numbers exported for slaughter, but the number of horses over eight years of age which were notified to the Ministry's inspectors as being shipped for immediate slaughter on arrival abroad was 182. 174 of these were shipped to Rotterdam and eight to Antwerp, but I am not aware of the actual places of slaughter. In the Netherlands, the use of the mechanical killer for slaughter at all public and private slaughterhouses is required by law, while in Belgium the use of mechanical killers is general. I have no reason to think that the horses shipped from this country were not slaughtered humanely, or that they were subjected to avoidable suffering. All vessels carrying horses from Great Britain have to be fitted, in 1268 accordance with the requirements of the Ministry's regulations.
§ 51. Mr. JOHN LOCKWOODasked the Minister of Agriculture how many aged and/or decrepit horses have been exported from this country during the past three months and the purposes for which they were exported; and whether he will consider initiating legislation to prevent aged and/or decrepit horses being exported from this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTDuring the three months ended 31st January, 1934, 143 horses over eight years of age were exported to the Continent of Europe with certificates of the Ministry's inspectors that they were fit to travel and to work without suffering. No horses which can be described as decrepit would be passed for shipment. Of the 143 horses mentioned, 67 were notified to the Ministry's inspectors as being shipped for immediate slaughter on arrival abroad. The other 76 consisted of thoroughbreds, hunters, polo ponies, trotters, circus and other show animals. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think a case has been established for further legislation on the subject.