§ 91. Sir William Davisonasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that his Department has directed the cruel practice of punching holes in the ears of live pigs in connection with the Government's grading scheme; and will he see that any such order is cancelled forthwith?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. W. S. Morrison)The ear-marking of pigs has been very carefully investigated by responsible officers in my Department, and I am satisfied that, whilst the practice is not painless, the pain inflicted is only momentary and causes no undue or sustained distress to the animal. I do not accept the view that the practice is cruel and I am not at present prepared to cancel the order which is essential for identification of the pig at the slaughterhouse.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware of the horrible scenes that have occurred in many markets owing to this practice; and is he also aware that the grading of sheep has been arranged 1372 and accomplished with great accuracy without any pain of this kind being caused to the animals?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe suggestion of my hon. Friend would involve a change in the grading of pigs from a dead-weight to a live-weight basis, and that would raise very important considerations.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister aware that women have their ears pierced in order to put in ear-rings?