§ 38. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Agriculture the numbers and values of horses and donkeys imported into the United Kingdom from Eire and Ulster, respectively, during each of the past five years; what numbers were imported for slaughter; and, in view of the suffering which these animals endure in long sea voyages, if he will make an Order ensuring that such animals arriving from those places shall be rested at the ports of entry for at least 12 hours before slaughter or further transport in this country.
Mr. AmoryAccording to returns rendered to my Department, 2,922 horses and donkeys were imported into Great Britain from Northern Ireland in 1953, and 7,927 from the Irish Republic; the corresponding figures for 1954 are, 1,628 and 6,542 respectively. There are no comparable data for earlier years, nor are records available of values or of the numbers imported specifically for slaughter. Horses imported from Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, except 2054 for certain high-quality animals, are detained at the port of landing and examined in daylight by my veterinary officers. No horse is released until it is considered to be in a fit state to continue its journey.
§ Mr. FreemanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that horses suffer from peculiar difficulties during long sea journeys and that they are frequently taken on long journeys by road afterwards without water, food, or rest at the port? Will he arrange that when they come off the boat they shall receive adequate attention whether they are destined for slaughter or other purposes?
Mr. AmoryI entirely agree with the object that the hon. Gentleman has in mind. I am certainly not aware that the animals are not properly examined and looked after at the port. If the hon. Gentleman has any evidence to the contrary, I should be very grateful if he would let me have it.