HC Deb 22 July 1957 vol 574 cc12-3
19. Mr. Pott

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to implement the recent decisions regarding the arrangements at British ports for safeguarding cattle being exported to the Continent for slaughter.

Mr. Amory

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have made an Order—the Exported Cattle Protection (Amendment)Order, 1957—to give effect to these decisions. It will come into operation on 22nd August.

Mr. T. Williams

Are any live cattle now being exported to France? Is a journey to France regarded as only small? If live cattle are being exported to France at the moment, does the right hon. Gentleman know exactly what forms of slaughter are used?

Mr. Amory

That aspect of the matter was covered by a statement I recently made in the House. The new arrangements about the treatment of cattle on the other side of the Channel have not yet come into operation, although I hope that they will do so early next month. My Answer dealt with the accommodation, inspection and arrangements for watering and feeding of cattle in this country before they go on board ship.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the public anxiety on this matter, can my right hon. Friend say how long he gives these new proposals to be effective in reducing the suffering involved in this trade? If they do not prove effective, will he then take steps to abolish the trade altogether?

Mr. Amory

The Order to which my Answer refers deals with the arrangements on this side of the Channel, and I expect the new arrangements to become effective immediately. The arrangements on the other side of the Channel are conditional on the results for which we hope being achieved.