HC Deb 12 August 1947 vol 441 cc2260-1
39. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that four greyhounds recently arrived in this country by steamer; that they were subsequently conveyed by rail on a 7½-hour journey on a very hot day; that one died on reaching its destination and another had severely lacerated its jaw in a vain attempt to remove its heavy leather muzzle; whether they received water or attention on the journey and what steps are taken to see that regulations providing for the proper treatment of animals in transit under such conditions are carried out efficiently.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Mr. G. R. Strauss)

I regret that I am unable to give any answer without further details as to the date and port of arrival. If my hon. Friend will send me these particulars, I will make inquiries and let him know the result.

Mr. Freeman

In view of the number of cases of injury to animals in transit, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied with the regulations now in force, and where necessary, will he see that they are more efficiently carried out?

Mr. Strauss

As far as we know, the regulations are properly carried out, but I should be grateful to know of any incident such as the hon. Gentleman suggests, and I will go into it immediately.