HC Deb 21 June 1948 vol 452 cc951-2
63. Mr. T. J. Brooks

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied that the £25 minimum price for horses sold for export is a sufficient safeguard for the animals, in view of the high prices offered by slaughterers on the Continent; how many horses were slaughtered in this country during the past six months; and how many have been imported from Ireland for this purpose.

Mr. T. Williams

Yes, Sir. I am satisfied that the order has achieved its purpose of stopping the export of aged horses for slaughter. I have no information of the number of other horses slaughtered in this country or imported from Ireland for slaughter.

Mr. Brooks

Is the Minister aware that there is a shortage of horses for service on farms, where they would probably earn very much more than by being exported? Is he also aware that there is a suspicion that £25 only is being paid for slaughtering?

Mr. Williams

That may be so, but I understand that of the horses exported during the last four months—something like 2,000—the majority have cost £50 or more, and that figure seems beyond the price which would be paid merely for slaughter.

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