§ Captain TERRELLasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of worn-out horses which have been exported from Weymouth via the Channel Islands to France in each of the last six months; and whether the inspectors have rejected any on the ground that they are not fit to travel?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe total numbers of horses exported from Weymouth to the Channel Isles during each of the last six months were as follow:
Horses shipped to the Channel Isles are not examined by the Ministry's veterinary inspectors before shipment, as is the case with horses destined for the Continent of Europe, but under Article 9 of the Exportation and Transit of Horses, Asses and Mules Order of 1921, their embarkation is not permitted for carriage to any port in Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Isles if, owing to infirmity, illness, injury, fatigue or any other cause, they cannot be carried without avoidable suffering during the intended passage. I have no information as to the numbers of horses shipped to France from the Channel Isles, but I understand that the Governments of Jersey and Guernsey have Regulations in force prohibiting the shipment to France of horses from the Channel Islands unless they are certified to be fit to travel and to work.
1923. November … … … 15 December … … … 13 1924. January … … … 6 February … … … 10 March … … … 4 April … … … 13 Total … … … 61