HC Deb 28 June 1973 vol 858 cc1718-20
9. Miss Fookes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his review of the evidence about the conditions under which British cattle are transported and slaughtered on the Continent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

These disturbing reports have warranted the most careful investigation. Replies recently received from the Governments concerned show that further investigations on certain matters are desirable and these are being made. I would like to complete these before making a full statement to the House.

Miss Fookes

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the patience of many hon. Members is becoming rapidly exhausted? Will he ensure that these inquiries are completed as quickly as possible in view of the overwhelming evidence that we have already of the cruelty inflicted on these unfortunate cattle?

Mr. Stodart

I hope that my hon. Friend and the House will believe me when I say that I fully appreciate the public's anxiety. That is why I am determined to make the fullest investigations. However, I ask the House to believe that there is a certain conflict of evidence which must be resolved before a full statement can be made.

Mr. Loughlin

Should we not all be ashamed that we have connived at the type of cruelty to animals that has been exposed in this trade? Does there need to be any more evidence? Why not stop it now? If the evidence proves that we were wrong we can resume it.

Mr. Stodart

The hon. Gentleman knows that when we were satisfied that the evidence about the treatment of sheep was conclusive, all sheep exports were suspended. I do not agree with him in having a ban on live exports until we have sufficient evidence. I am against cutting down on, for example, the export of store animals, for which this country is famous.

Sir Robin Turton

Surely there is a case for an early independent inquiry into this matter, bearing in mind the films that have been taken overseas showing not only sheep but calves being treated in a most horrible manner on export.

Mr. Stodart

These inquiries have to do with the shipment of cattle. One point that we have ascertained and which causes further inquiries to be made is that on that particular day loads of cattle arrived in the same port from both Ireland and Britain, and at the moment I cannot tell the House for certain whether the photographs taken were of cattle from this country.

Mr. Buchan

The hon. Gentleman must realise the deep anxiety in this country on this whole matter. Will he listen again to the view expressed by his right hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Sir Robin Turton), with which the Opposition concur, that the time has come for an immediate and urgent inquiry, if necessary in public, to look into this increasing traffic which we believe should be diminished?

Mr. Stodart

I must inform the House that in order to make further investigations we are sending Ministry staff to the countries concerned. I hope that the House will agree that it is right that we should try to establish the facts, after which I shall make a full report.