HC Deb 13 November 1972 vol 846 cc8-9
5. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the net gain to the British economy arising from the export of live animals for slaughter, allowing for the import of meat products, hides and skins required to replace such exports.

Sir G. Howe

It would be extremely difficult to give an economic assessment of the kind which my hon. Friend seeks; however, in the period from January to September, 1972, the total value of live animal exports was only £23 million, while imports of meat and meat preparations, hides and skins totalled £410 million.

Mr. Hall

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that no great harm would be done to the economy if we prohibited the export of live animals for slaughter?

Sir G. Howe

The figure for exports of live animals has to be set alongside the comparable figure for exports of carcase meat during the same period to destinations apart from the Irish Republic, and they amounted to £28 million. I appreciate the reasons which cause my hon. Friend and other hon. Members concern, but this is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture.

Mr. R. W. Elliott

Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the export of live animals for slaughter, as recently illustrated by the RSPCA, leads in some instances to the most fearful cruelty? Will he take note of the fact that the former Minister of Agriculture in a reply to me recently stated that there were innumerable contraventions of the Balfour Agreement, one of which led to the slaughter of a batch of British calves on the continent by the use of a joiner's hammer. Will my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that there are 63 slaughterhouses in this country which are up to export standard and which are now under-used? Will he consult the appropriate members of the Government to see what can be done to slaughter more animals for export here rather than to export them alive?

Sir G. Howe

I know the extent to which this matter is causing concern both inside and outside the House. I have studied, as of course has my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, the recent report by the RSPCA. Indeed, my right hon. Friend the former Minister of Agriculture saw a delegation from the RSPCA on the 24th of last month. I am sure that his successor will bear in mind the points made to him.