HC Deb 20 October 1952 vol 505 cc685-7
28. Sir John Crowder

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the names of the members and the terms of reference of the committee which is to inquire into the question of the slaughter of horses.

40. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Minister of Food when he will be able to make a statement about the findings of the committee set up by himself and the Secretary of State for Scotland to consider the law relating to the slaughter of horses in slaughterhouses and knackers' yards.

Major Lloyd George

I am pleased to say that the Duke of Northumberland has accepted the Chairmanship of the Committee.

I will arrange for details of the membership and terms of reference to be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

I hope that the Committee will hold its first meeting within the next few days but I cannot, of course, forecast when their report will be completed.

Sir J. Crowder

Could the Minister, in the meanwhile, while awaiting the report, give special instructions to his officers to do all that can be done to see that cruelty in the slaughtering of the horses is minimised as far as possible?

Major Lloyd George

As my hon. Friend probably knows, I have now been instructed as Minister to take charge of that side of slaughtering. An order was made some time ago making it incumbent on slaughterers to give notice of intention to slaughter. It is, of course, the local authority who is responsible, but I am in touch with the local authorities in this matter.

Mr. Beswick

Can the Minister say whether the terms of reference will permit the committee to inquire into the allegations that New Forest ponies are rounded up and slaughtered for human consumption?

Major Lloyd George

I should think so, because the terms of reference refer to horses generally, but I will bring that point to the notice of the committee.

Mr. Hastings

Do the terms of reference include the slaughtering of horses imported from abroad?

Major Lloyd George

I should have thought so because the terms of reference begin with the words: To consider the law and the practice thereunder relating to the slaughter of horses in slaughterhouses.… It does not say where they come from.

Mr. Woodburn

Will this committee look into the cruelty that takes place in the transit of horses for slaughter?

Major Lloyd George

That is not in the terms of reference.

Mr. Rankin

Could the Minister say if the terms of reference will cover those horses which are exported to other countries and then slaughtered there?

Major Lloyd George

That would not come within the terms of reference, because it might be outside our authority altogether. If horses are exported to other countries that can only be stopped by the ordinary approach through the usual channels.

Mr. Rankin

But is it not the case that if the terms of reference do not include horses exported from this country to other countries the whole purpose of the inquiry will be rendered null and void?

Major Lloyd George

I am sorry; I misunderstood the hon. Gentleman. I will look specifically into the terms of reference with regard to his point about trade with other countries.

Following is the information: The membership of the Committee is:
  • The Duke of Northumberland—Chairman.
  • Alderman L. G. H. Alldridge.
  • The Lord Digby.
  • Professor F. Grundy.
  • R. Jarvis, Esq.
  • W. M. Mitchell, Esq., M.R.C.V.S.
  • Colonel Thompson.
 The terms of reference are: To consider the law and the practice thereunder relating to the slaughter of horses in slaughterhouses and knackers' yards and to recommend whether any further safeguards should be introduced to ensure the humane slaughtering of horses in this country.