HC Deb 01 November 1948 vol 457 cc21-2W
Mr. Astor

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take special measures to see that where horses are slaughtered for food, or transported alive for slaughter abroad, their treatment is as humane as possible.

Mr. G. Brown

The responsibility of my right hon. Friend in this matter is limited to the protection of horses, whether intended for slaughter or not, from unnecessary suffering during inland transit or sea passage. Orders designed to ensure humane treatment for horses and for other animals while in transit have been in force for many years and, 1 understand, are generally being well observed.