HC Deb 20 September 1948 vol 456 cc36-7W
131. Sir J. Lucas

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that adequate inspection is made of conditions under which horses await slaughter in the East End of London; whether regular supplies of food and water are provided; and whether he will take proceedings in any cases of neglect or maltreatment whether during the working week or over weekends.

Mr. John Edwards

My right hon. Friend has no reason to believe that the arrangements for reception of horses for slaughter are in general unsatisfactory but he has asked the local authority for a report on the conditions at Plaistow about which he has received complaints. He has, himself, no power to take proceedings.

Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the concern felt about the conditions of some of the yards in which horses are slaughtered for human food; and if, in particular, he proposes to take any action against those responsible for the conditions recently disclosed in the slaughter yard in Surrey Street, Plaistow.

Mr. Bevan

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas).