HC Deb 04 December 1952 vol 508 cc1737-8
17. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will introduce legislation to prevent the breeding and rearing of ponies in the New Forest for the purpose of sale and subsequent slaughter for human consumption.

Sir T. Dugdale

No, Sir. I do not think that this is necessary. There is no reason for thinking that New Forest ponies are, in general, bred and reared with the intention of selling them for slaughter.

Mr. Beswick

Does the Minister realise that he gives the impression of being very complacent about this matter? Is he aware that there is widespread public feeling against this repulsive trade being furthered by the use of these common lands for the breeding and rearing of ponies? Will he at least see that un-weaned foals are not sold for this purpose?

Sir T. Dugdale

There is no evidence to show that New Forest ponies are being bought for slaughter. Their numbers have to be kept down, and they are sold normally from time to time.

Mr. Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend saying that the only New Forest ponies sold for slaughter are those which it is necessary to destroy to reduce the pony population? Is not he aware that there is this trade going on, which surely is of a repulsive nature?

Sir T. Dugdale

If the number of ponies in the New Forest were not kept down there would be great suffering caused to other ponies owing to the shortage of winter keep.

Mr. Beswick

Cannot the Minister keep down the pony population by other methods? Is he aware that I can give him the names of people who have had to buy unweaned foals to save them from getting into the hands of horse meat traders?

Sir T. Dugdale

I do not think that that would meet the case.