§ 14 and 19. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will consider introducing legislation to prohibit the export of sheep for ritual killing by processes which entail considerable suffering;
(2) what action was taken by his officials to ensure the minimum amount of suffering to hundreds of sheep in the process of transportation recently from this country to Tunisia, details of which an known to his Department.
§ Mr. SoamesOne of my veterinary officers, who was present when the consignment of sheep was loaded for shipment to Tunisia, ensured that there was no overcrowding and that sufficient fodder was available, in accordance with the Animals (Sea Transport) Orders. I have no present intention of introducing legislation to prohibit the export of animals for slaughter by Moslem ritual. Moslems are forbidden to eat meat from animals which have not been ritually slaughtered, and the practice is lawful in this country for those of Moslem faith.
§ Mr. DoddsI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that statement. As he is aware, there is deep feeling amongst animal lovers over the fact that a large number of sheep were exported to Tunisia in the knowledge that their killing would entail great hardship. In view of the humane slaughtering practices in this country, is it not difficult to explain that the sheep are just unlucky if they happen to be chosen for this traffic? Is he aware that many people expect us to do more to see that these animals are treated in a way more in conformity with our practice in this country?
§ Mr. SoamesWe have our own rules about slaughter, but ritual slaughter for a religious faith is permitted.