HC Deb 12 June 1986 vol 99 cc483-4
4. Mr. Greenway

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards the slaughter of horses and ponies for the purpose of carcase exports.

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

We consider that the welfare of horses and ponies should be protected at the point of slaughter in all circumstances.

Mr. Greenway

Does my hon. Friend agree that the existence of only five EEC-approved slaughterhouses for horses and ponies is not sufficient, and that the conditions at the lairages at them are, in many cases, disgraceful? In one case they amounted to only a muddy field where horses and ponies were kept for many days before being slaughtered. Will she look into the fact that horses and ponies are being forced to travel long distances, over many days, in unsatisfactory conditions, without food, water or exercise before slaughter? Will she look into the fact that RSPCA Inspector Rankin was forced out of the Southall horse market the other day when he said that horses being sold there were too thin for riding?

Mrs. Fenner

On my hon. Friend's latter point, another RSPCA inspector attended the market on 4 June. I would not wish my hon. Friend to think that there was not an RSPCA inspector there. I take his point about fewer abattoirs meaning, obviously, a longer journey for horses. Horses in transit are protected by transit legislation. I have often reiterated to my hon. Friend that local authorities are empowered to enforce controls. Evidence of offences should be reported to local authorities. The Farm Animal Welfare Council is reviewing the welfare of all livestock in transit, including horses and ponies. Following the FAWC's report on the welfare of redmeat animals, including horses, at the time of slaughter, the Government have proposed a number of changes to legislation to provide further protection for all animals for slaughter.

Mr. Bermingham

Does the hon. Lady agree that the problem is that there is an inadequate number of inspectors, that local authorities seem reluctant to prosecute and that legislation is not sufficiently penal? A decent method of slaughter of horses — many of us would object to their slaughter in any event—can be secured only through proper inspection, proper enforcement and proper punishment for offences when the law is so openly flouted.

Mrs. Fenner

Local authorities have not made the point that they arc not able to enforce the law as it stands. As I pointed out, offences have to be drawn quickly to their attention. I understand that a local authority is promoting a Bill to give additional powers to deal with stray horses.

Mr. Dickens

Is my hon. Friend aware that the French actually eat our horses and ponies as steaks? Has she considered that if we stopped eating their frogs and snails, they might consider not eating our horses and ponies?

Mrs. Fenner

I note my hon. Friend's objection to, horsemeat as a diet. I think that, by and large, that view is shared by a large number of people in this country, but I would not like to speak on behalf of those who eat grenouilles and escargots.

Mr. Randall

Is the hon. Lady satisfied that the problems found by the FAWC within slaughterhouses have been properly and satisfactorily dealt with? Is she satisfied that slaughtering methods and procedures used for horses are no less humane than those used for cattle, pigs and other animals?

Mrs. Fenner

We have received the FAWC's report and have proposed a number of changes to legislation, which are now up for consultation — it will take a while because legislation is required — to provide further protection for all animals. The FAWC considered in particular horses and ponies at slaughter as well as all other redmeat animals.