§ 69. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the cruelty involved, he will take steps to prevent sheep in lamb from being sent for slaughter in abattoirs.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe standing instructions to the grading panels are that if they are of the opinion that any sheep is in lamb, it must not be accepted for purchase for slaughter unless the condition of the animal is such that slaughter is necessary or desirable. I am satisfied 1864 the graders are complying with this instruction.
§ Sir T. MooreBut is the right hon. Lady aware that out of a flock of 38 ewes recently driven to the Lincoln abattoir, 20 were found in lamb when slaughtered? Surely that does not look as if the graders were carrying out their job efficiently?
§ Dr. SummerskillI thoroughly agree with the hon. and gallant Gentleman and I will look into it immediately.