§ 45. Sir R. Caryasked the Prime Minister if he has any further information to give the House in regard to bringing the Report of the Rosebery Committee up to date, particularly in respect of placing all central Government functions in relation to horse slaughterhouses and knackers' yards under one Ministry.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. The Minister of Food will assume general responsibility for the conditions governing the slaughter of animals, including horses, at slaughterhouses and knackers' yards in England and Wales. The Secretary of State for Scotland will remain responsible in Scotland. The necessary Orders under the Ministers of the Crown 30 (Transfer of Functions) Act, 1946, will be made in due course.
The Minister of Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland are setting up a Committee to consider the law and practice relating to the slaughter of horses in slaughterhouses and knackers' yards and to recommend whether any changes are desirable.
The Home Office will remain responsible for the law about cruelty other than at the time of slaughtering and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries will retain powers about cruelty to animals during transit.
§ Sir R. CaryIs my right hon. Friend aware of the appreciation felt in all quarters of the House at the prompt and most satisfactory way in which he has dealt with this matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Prime Minister aware that all remedial measures will not provide an adequate solution unless and until there is some price control over the amount charged for horse meat?
§ The Prime MinisterI try to keep aware as much as possible of what is going on.