HC Deb 17 January 1985 vol 71 cc494-5
2. Mr. Greenway

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the names and location of abattoirs in the United Kingdom which are European Economic Community approved for the slaughter of equines; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)

There are five such abattoirs. I shall write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Greenway

I look forward to receiving the letter. Is it not obvious that, with so few and such widely dispersed abattoirs approved for the slaughter of equines, horses and ponies are being driven long distances, often for days and, it is reported, frequently without water, exercise or feed on the way to slaughter? Is that not disgraceful? Will my hon. Friend urgently look into the transport of horses and ponies to slaughter and the ability of local authorities to monitor their welfare on the way, because under present legislation it is virtually impossible to do so as so many of them are involved?

Mrs. Fenner

I assure my hon. Friend that the welfare of animals is protected by comprehensive legislation. I have drawn to his attention before the fact that this is enforced by local authorities. Every local authority must, by law, appoint inspectors to enforce the transit legislation in its area. Those who see a potential welfare offence should report it immediately to the authority in that area. There may be scope for action by those authorities at loading or unloading points. I understand that the Farm Animal Welfare Council will be reviewing future activities and may wish to note my hon. Friend's comment about any future programme of investigation.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is it not fair to say that cuts in local government budgets imposed by the Government restrict the ability of local authorities to monitor in the way that the Minister has suggested? Is it not nonsense to come to the Dispatch Box and say that the public interest and the interests of animals are safeguarded when everyone knows that it is patently true that the Government are preventing local authorities from carrying out their duties?

Mrs. Fenner

No, that is not true. The hon. Gentleman cannot claim that any public expenditure cuts cover the whole range. Local authorities have the duty to carry out this enforcement, as they have a number of other duties.