§ 53. Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to put a stop to the cruel practice of over-stocking dairy cows prior to sales; and if he will consider, in co-operation with the cattle-breeding societies, a tightening - up of the regulations.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI deprecate the practice of exhibiting over-stocked cows at markets, and my Department has always endeavoured to dissuade owners of animals from doing so. I have no power to make regulations, but it is an offence against the Protection of Animals Acts to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and my veterinary officers are always ready to assist the police where cruelty is alleged to be due to over-stocking. I was glad to note that at a recent sale at Reading the organisers required cows in milk to be milked out at six o'clock on the morning of the sale, and I hope that requirements of this kind will become more general.
§ Brigadier RaynerDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the great majority of farmers in South Devon and other parts of England also deprecate the practice, and will he not tighten up the regulations so that action can be taken against the minority?
§ Mr. WilliamsI have no power to make regulations, and the question of cruelty is a matter for the police and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. PagetIs my right hon. Friend aware that this practice is quite notorious all over England? Cannot he instruct his officers to bring prosecutions? They are entitled to do so.
§ Mr. WilliamsNo, Sir, not unless their intention is drawn to a particular case by the police. It is a question for the police and for the Home Secretary, not for the Minister of Agriculture.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWill the right hon. Gentleman consider asking owners of sale yards to put into their catalogues the time at which cows can be milked before sale?
§ Mr. WilliamsI hope that those responsible for sales will take note of the hon. and gallant Member's question.