§ 46. Sir R. Caryasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the confusion of the law and the anomalies which exist in regard to the slaughtering of horses; and if, in view of the fact that five Government Departments are involved in this matter, he will order an official Government inquiry to be made into the flow of horses and 2036 donkeys into slaughterhouses, and to make recommendations to amend the law and indict such evil practices as come to light.
§ The Prime MinisterEveryone will, I am sure, agree that the fullest safeguards should be provided to avoid any cruelty in the transport of horses for slaughter and in the slaughterhouses and knackers' yards.
An inquiry into the trade in horses for slaughter and export was conducted by a Departmental Committee under Lord Rosebery's Chairmanship whose report was published in March, 1950. Effect has been given to many of the recommendations of that Committee but not to the recommendation that all central government functions in relation to horse slaughterhouses and knackers' yards be allotted to one Ministry. I have given directions that this question should be considered as one of urgency.
Her Majesty's Government have also decided to hold a further immediate inquiry to ascertain whether the report of the Rosebery Committee needs to be brought up to date.
Meanwhile the Minister of Food in the exercise of his powers under Section 8 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, will amend the Public Health (Meat) Regulations so that any person proposing to slaughter a horse will be under an obligation to inform the local authority in advance and will be liable to penalties if he fails to do so.
§ Sir R. CaryIs my right hon. Friend aware that his most helpful answer will go a long way to allay the anxieties felt in all quarters of the House about this matter? Quite apart from the cruelty which can be suffered by animals if they fall into the wrong hands, one of the greatest dangers confronting us is the depopulation of these islands of good working horses and sturdy ponies and donkeys. Will not this help to build up one of the most dangerous gaps in our defences?
§ Mr. Peter FreemanAs there were about 1¼ million horses in this country only 25 years ago and there are only 400,000 today, will the right hon. Gentleman consider registering all horses before they are extinct and making it obligatory for permission to be sought from the local authorities before horses are slaughtered?
§ The Prime MinisterI have always considered that the substitution of the internal combustion engine for the horse marked a very gloomy milestone in the progress of mankind.
§ Mr. StokesIs the Prime Minister aware that the abattoir in this country where the "Manchester Guardian" report alleged that these abominations were carried on has been extremely difficult to discover? Will it be laid down that, when having horses slaughtered, people must say where they are sending them to be slaughtered?
§ The Prime MinisterI think there is complete agreement in the House that this matter must be pursued with vigilance and vigour.