§ Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions prevailing in many abattoirs and slaughterhouses, resulting in unnecessary suffering to animals awaiting slaughter; and if he will now make a statement on the steps he proposes to secure improvement.
§ Mr. WebbI do not agree that there is generally, unnecessary suffering to animals awaiting slaughter except in so far as the process of slaughter is inevitably unpleasant. Certainly many of the premises are ill-sited in urban districts and badly out of date, but often rebuilding is the only remedy and a widespread rebuilding programme is, I am afraid, out of the question at present. We are, however, making such improvements as are within our capacity, including the building of some entirely new slaughterhouses with the most modern equipment.