26. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the conditions in which cattle await slaughter in the Birkenhead district, where in one case 500 cattle were penned in a war-time Army ordnance depot without food and water, in a quagmire of mud six inches deep; and if he will take steps to avoid such unnecessary cruelty in future.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)I think the hon. Member refers to land at Leigh, which was used as an ordnance depot during the war but has since been recultivated and returned to agricultural use. Cattle purchased by my Department and awaiting slaughter were kept on this land for some days, but my inquiries show that they were well cared for and properly fed and watered. There was no cruelty. But, if the hon. and gallant Member has evidence to the contrary, perhaps he will get in touch with me.
Air Commodore HarveyAs there is another side of this story, if I send the right hon. Gentleman details, will he examine them?