§ 17. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what general directions he has given to the British Transport Commission with regard to the transport of cattle.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNone, Sir. The conditions under which cattle must be transported are laid down in the Transit of Animals Orders made under the Diseases of Animals Acts. These Orders provide very detailed provisions about the construction and fittings of road and rail vehicles and the manner in which animals are to be carried.
§ Mr. MikardoIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently great difficulties have been caused in Reading through an unprecedented and sudden growth in cattle traffic, which doubtless took the British Transport Commission by surprise? Is he aware that there were too many cattle for the pens and they overflowed into the roads, which caused danger to some passers-by and perhaps some cruelty to the animals? Whilst appreciating that it was difficult, for many reasons, for the Commission to control that traffic, may I ask whether the Minister will look at the possibility of trying to ensure that the Commission does not experience a repetition of such an occurrence?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI appreciate that, but I understand that the hon. Member has obtained a settlement in Reading.