§ 28. Mr. LECKIEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the unnecessary suffering caused to bullocks by his Department's methods of marking animals passed for sale to butchers; that the process involves the making of a wound which bleeds and causes distress to the animals, especially in hot weather; and whether he will take steps to see that a method of marking is substituted which will not involve either pain or inconvenience to the animals?
§ Mr. ELLIOTBefore a decision was reached in the summer of 1934 to adopt ear-punching as the method of marking cattle in connection with the cattle subsidy, careful consideration was given to various alternative methods. The mark must be permanent, and readily applied, and it was found that ear punching was the only method which satisfied these conditions. This method of marking animals has been in operation in this country and in other parts of the world for a long period. If the punch is made near the tip of the ear, between the principal veins, in accordance with the directions issued by the Cattle Committee, there is, I think, practically no bleeding. As at present advised, I can see no alternative method.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it true that only the animals themselves were not consulted about this matter?
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman quite sure whether this method does hurt the animals or not?
§ Mr. McGOVERNWhy not try it on the Cabinet?