HC Deb 03 March 1960 vol 618 cc1416-7
36. Mr. Collard

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of head of cattle exported live from the United Kingdom for slaughter overseas during the years 1957, 1958 and 1959, respectively.

Mr. Erroll

Exports from the United Kingdom of live cattle, other than for breeding, numbered 149,000 in 1958 and 98,000 in 1959. Corresponding figures for 1957 are not available.

Mr. Collard

Is my hon. Friend aware that the decreasing figures will be welcomed because this trade, which must involve some suffering to cattle, is not a satisfactory one?

Mr. Erroll

The Board of Trade's interest is in licensing and the collection of statistics. Any questions relating to be welfare of the animals exported should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.