HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 cc1801-2W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what control, if any, is exercised over the sale of horseflesh; to what extent horseflesh is being purchased for human consumption and incorporated with normal foodstuffs; and whether he is aware that the organisation, known as the Dumb Friends League, state that it is almost impossible to obtain horseflesh to be used in the preparation of special foods for dogs?

Mr. Mabane

The sale of horseflesh for human consumption is subject to the provisions of the Horseflesh (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1941, which,inter alia, prescribes maximum wholesale and ail prices and requires every whole- saler of the commodity to hold a licence granted by the Minister of Food. The Order also provides that horseflesh for human consumption may not be sold in any premises where horseflesh not for human consumption or other meat is sold. Retailers of horseflesh for human consumption also require licences under the Food (Local Distribution) Order, 1943. Further provisions in regard to the sale of horseflesh are contained in Section 38 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, which provides, inter alia, for the exhibition of a notice in premises where horseflesh for human consumption is sold. As my Department does not control supply and distribution, I am unable to furnish the information asked for in the second part of the Question as regards the extent to which horseflesh is purchased for human consumption. The Horseflesh Order referred to above prohibits the manufacture, preparation and sale of any meat product or compound article of food containing horseflesh. As to the last part of the Question, representations have been received by my Department from the organisation referred to. It would only be possible to increase the quantity of horseflesh available for dogs either by the slaughter of more horses, which would lead to the killing of serviceable animals, or by the diversion to dogs of horseflesh fit for human consumption. My Noble Friend is not prepared to take any step in either of these directions.