HC Deb 21 January 1931 vol 247 cc190-1W
Mr. FREEMAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of authorities that have adopted the use of the humane killer for pigs; and if he has any figures showing the number of pigs killed by that means in 1929 and 1930?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

Six local authorities in Scotland have passed by-laws which require the use of a mechanically-operated instrument for the slaughter of swine, and there is a like requirement in Glasgow under the provisions of a local Act. Eight local authorities have passed by-laws requiring pigs to bestunned before being stuck, the type of instrument not being prescribed. Other by-laws contain a similar requirement, the method of stunning being such as the local authority may prescribe, while others require the implements of slaughter to be such as the authority may fix or approve. In the areas of certain other local authorities a humane killer is probably used for the slaughter of pigs, although such use is not prescribed by by-law or Act, but I have no certain information on this point. I have no information as to the number of pigs killed by that method in the years mentioned.