§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ EARL CARRINGTONI have to apologise to noble Lords for speaking again, but I have another Bill. It is really a very small matter, the object being to give the Board of Agriculture power to deal with the traffic in live poultry, so as to secure its being carried under more humane and sanitary conditions. This Bill has been brought forward under the auspices of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and will reach people bringing in live poultry from other countries and dealers who collect birds for market. They have rather a rough way of dealing with live poultry, which causes a good deal of unnecessary suffering. I am sure the House would be as anxious to prevent that in the case of chickens, turkeys, and so on, as in the case of cattle. These fowls are tied by the legs for long periods and are somewhat roughly handled and thrown about. I dare say some of your Lordships have seen them lying about on different railway station platforms, and you will have noticed that frequently they are packed without sufficient room or ventilation. The Board of Agriculture have power, under the Diseases of Animals Acts, to deal with the traffic in cattle, and it is desirable to extend the protective provisions to poultry. I do not think there is anything controversial in the Bill, and I hope your Lordships will approve of it.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl Carrington.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.