§ Mr. E. Walkdenasked the Parliamentary. Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether he is aware that good working cart-horses are now being purchased at horse repository sales and cattle markets by persons who trade in horseflesh, and that owing to the excessive sums being paid, farmers are unable to acquire such horses for agricultural work; and whether it is the approved policy of the Government to encourage or permit the slaughter of these valuable animals?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware that high prices have been paid in the past for horses for slaughter for human consumption. The maximum prices for horseflesh for human consumption which will shortly be imposed by Order, should render it unremunerative to sell for this purpose
490WThe prices to be paid to keepers of victualling houses and occupiers of other buildings for billets requisitioned are fixed at the rates shown hereunder:
horses which are capable of further useful work.
§ Captain Pluggeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether shops selling horseflesh have to be licensed?
Major Lloyd GeorgeShops selling horseflesh for human consumption require to be licensed. Those selling horseflesh for consumption by animals do not at present require to be licensed, but will be so required under the Meat Foodstuffs Order, 1941, from an appointed date to be announced.