§ 30. Mr. C. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Food what area the Langney slaughterhouse, Eastbourne, serves; and what is the maximum distance animals are brought to Langney to be slaughtered.
§ Mr. StracheyThis slaughterhouse supplies sup-home—killed meat for the county borough of Eastbourne, the urban district of Seaford and the rural district of Hailsham. Normally, fat stock for this slaughterhouse are not brought from farther afield than 200 miles or so, but, during September, 1948, some cattle were sent from Darlington (300 miles) and Belford (380 miles). This was at a time when fairly large numbers of fat stock were coming forward for slaughter in the North Eastern area, while supplies in the South were relatively low.
§ Mr. TaylorDoes it not seem ridiculous that cattle are brought from Wales and Darlington to this slaughterhouse to be slaughtered, and is the Minister satisfied that they are brought there in reasonably good conditions? If not, will he look into that matter before he gives his support to the Anti-Blood Sports Bill?
§ Mr. StracheyI did not quite follow the last part of the question.
§ Mr. TaylorI asked the Minister whether he would see that these cattle which are brought long distances are transported under reasonable conditions, and, if they are not, before he signs the Anti-Blood Sports Bill will he see that they are?
§ Mr. StracheyI am satisfied that it is necessary, to equalise the supply of meat over the country at certain seasons, to bring cattle a long way. It is very important that they should be brought under humane conditions, and we will do all we can to ensure that.