HC Deb 02 March 1954 vol 524 cc995-6
32. Sir H. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange to publish in the Trade and Navigation Returns particulars with regard to horses imported into this country for the purpose of slaughter for food.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I am looking into this question and will write to my hon. Friend.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in a recent debate suggestions were made that there were substantial importations of horses for slaughter which were described in his returns as Slaughter importations of horses not for food"?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I know there is a difficulty, because these figures are not closely analysed in the trade returns. I should like to look into the matter before replying in detail to my hon. Friend.