HC Deb 19 June 1963 vol 679 cc426-7
5. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that it is not possible for cases of cruelty to calves being reared by intensive methods for veal to be brought before the courts when they are confined in enclosed houses on private property and access can always be denied; and what steps he will take to ensure that adequate inspection of the methods employed can be carried out.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Christopher Soames)

I cannot accept that it is not possible to bring before the courts any case of cruelty that may arise in such circumstances. The powers of the police under Section 12 of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, enable them to act against any person whom they have reason to believe is guilty of such an offence. I would not feel justified in seeking powers of inspection in cases where there are no grounds for believing there is an offence.

Mr. Burden

How is it possible for the police to enter upon private property to carry out an inspection without first obtaining a warrant so to do? How can the police bring an action if they have not the opportunity to go into these broiler houses at any time in order to ensure that they are properly and reasonably conducted along the lines that most humane people would require?

Mr. Soames

My hon. Friend will appreciate that questions about the police and their powers are for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, but I am advised that if the police are satisfied that they have evidence that what is taking place on private premises amounts to a felony or a breach of the Act, they can exercise the right of entry.

Mr. Burden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his answer is totally unsatisfactory and unacceptable, since it merely exposes that it is, in fact, impossible to obtain any information in regard to these matters? If there is nothing to hide, why cannot my right hon. Friend make reasonable regulations to ensure that these animals are given proper periods of daylight and reasonable freedom of movement and that they receive a diet which is not deliberately designed to induce anaemia?

Mr. Soames

We have given advice to farmers that satisfactory results can be obtained by allowing calves reasonable freedom of movement in ordinary accommodation and in small groups, keeping them not in darkness but in a subdued light.

I do not know whether my hon. Friend is aware of the fact that these methods are not being used to any large extent. We made a survey in 1961, and our information then was that there were about 95 farmers indulging in this kind of calf rearing. I am informed that there has been a consistent lessening of the number since then. I do not believe that it is taking place to any great extent or in a way which involves cruelty to the animals, for it is an essential feature that the animals should thrive, and this cannot happen if there is cruelty.