95. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there is much cruelty in slaughterhouses throughout the country, including overcrowding of animals awaiting slaughter, the beating of the said animals by the drovers and that the use of the humane killer is not general; and if he will make a statement on what action he proposes to improve these conditions.
§ Mr. F. WilleyMy right hon. Friend cannot accept the implication in the hon.192W Member's Question. The vast majority of drovers and slaughtermen employed in connection with the slaughter of animals for the meat ration are ordinary decent folk used to handling animals and as keen as we all are to avoid unnecessary cruelty. Every precaution is taken to see that the animals are properly transported and looked after whilst awaiting slaughter and not only are the provisions of the Slaughter of Animals Acts fully observed, but our instructions require that sheep shall be stunned before slaughter even though the Act of 1933 does not require this to be done in all areas. If the hon. Member has any specific case of alleged cruelty in mind, I hope he will let me have details so that it can be investigated.