§ 3. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider appointing a committee to investigate conditions governing the transport of horses and other livestock by road, rail and sea.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe transport of animals is regulated by comprehensive orders, and that relating to horses was amended in 1951 to give effect to the recommendations of the Rosebery Committee. I am not aware that these orders are unsatisfactory, or that there is any need for any further investigation, but I am prepared to look into any points that my hon. Friend may bring to my notice.
§ Mr. G. WilliamsDo these orders apply to road and to sea? I gather that the rail ones are satisfactory, but I am not sure whether there are any orders for road and sea.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that is the case, but at present the orders do not apply to the air.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great cruelty to horses in transporting them by sea, and that in many cases horses brought over from Ireland have to be killed on arrival because they are injured so severely and are suffering so much?
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir. There were two recent orders on this matter. That which was introduced in 1951 incorporated the recommendations on the transit of horses made by the Rosebery Committee. Since those orders have been in force, the position has been much improved, but I will, of course, continue to watch it.