§ 18. Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take about infringements of the Horses (Landing from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) Order, 1954, on 2nd December, reported to him on 10th January by the hon. Member for Gainsborough with certificates of veterinary examination supplied by the Horses and Ponies Protection 1281 Association, showing that they were unfit to travel.
§ Mr. John MackieI have made inquiries. As required by the Order, the donkeys were examined in daylight by our inspector, and certified fit to continue their journey.
§ Mr. KimballDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that the disturbing thing about this case is that an independent veterinary surgeon gave it as his categoric opinion that these four donkeys were not fit to travel? In view of the general concern about this trade of donkeys from Ireland into this country, will the hon. Gentleman instruct his officers at the ports to examine all donkeys most carefully, to be certain that those with foot sores are not allowed into the country?
§ Mr. MackieI think that I would agree with the hon. Member, but this was a borderline case. The certificate which the other veterinary surgeon gave was nearly four days after our inspector saw them because the donkeys were moved again. We will look into this. We have, since this case arose, been much more careful.