HC Deb 26 January 1960 vol 616 c16
24. Captain Pilkington

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many horses were exported from the United Kingdom to Eire in 1959.

Mr. J. Rodgers

Two thousand and ninety-one.

Captain Pilkington

Does the Board of Trade keep any check on what happens to these horses? Have the Government conveyed to Eire their hope that the cruel and inhuman traffic in horses with France will be stopped?

Mr. Rodgers

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is really barking up the wrong pole, because the average value per animal exported was £1,600. Live horses having a value below £120 cannot be exported without an export licence. There is, therefore, no evidence at all that we have contributed to the export of animals for human consumption.

Mr. Snow

Nevertheless, will the Minister pay attention to what his hon. and gallant Friend has said and bear in mind that many hon. Members of the House—I think I can say this of all hon. Members—have been horrified at this trade between Eire and France, and that anything he can do to bring his influence to bear on the Eire Government will be appreciated?

Mr. Rodgers

I shall bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says.