HC Deb 27 March 1950 vol 473 cc1-2
1. Brigadier Rayner

asked the Minister of Food if he will arrange that animals dealt with in Government slaughterhouses are invariably despatched by the humane killer.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)

Existing instructions already provide for the stunning before slaughter in Government slaughterhouses of all cattle, calves, sheep and pigs except those killed by the Jewish and Mohammedan methods. I am not prepared to prohibit these methods because to do so would stop meat reaching orthodox Jews and Mohammedans.

Brigadier Rayner

Now that he has taken over this Department will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to interest himself in this question of humane killing? Does he realise that many of the abattoirs in this country are an absolute disgrace? Will he do his best to see that the unnecessary suffering and terror of these animals is brought to an end?

Mr. Webb

In so far as I can help, and in so far as it is my responsibility, I shall be very happy indeed to do so, subject to the consideration I raised in the latter part of my answer.

Sir Waldron Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman also arrange that those members of the Government who have expressed Communist—

Mr. Speaker

That is nothing to do with this Question.