§ 39. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many young calves from one to four days old and upwards are sent by rail from Scotland long distances often to the South of England, during which time they receive little if any adequate attention, and that7 have died on such journeys during the last three months; and if, in view of the cruelty and suffering so involved, he will prohibit calves travelling under six months of age.
Mr. AmoryI have no reason to believe that, in general, calves are not properly cared for during transit by rail, but if the hon. Member has any specific incident in mind and sends me particulars I will gladly have further inquiries made. The requirements of the Transit of Animals Orders, together with the railway regulations, are intended to reduce discomfort so far as possible, and I do not think that the restrictions suggested by the hon. Member would be justified.
§ Mr. FreemanIf I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of the 17 day-old calves which have died during the last three months, will he examine the situation? In addition, 200 day-old calves were sent from Kittybrewster to Glasgow market during the same period, and they suffered very considerably, particularly because the calves are put into small sacks 2055 in which they cannot even stretch their legs, and they receive no water or attention during the day that the journey takes?
Mr. AmoryAgain, I should be very glad to receive particulars. The Regulations are fairly definite. They provide for the proper looking after of calves. Indeed, if calves are to be more than 24 hours on the journey they are supposed to be given milk and other attention at regular intervals.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that a calf of that age cannot drink, in the ordinary sense of the word. Therefore, to allow milk for drinking is useless unless some form of teat is provided to enable it to drink?