§ 55. Squadron Leader Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now say whether he will make an order under the Diseases of Animals Acts for the better protection of horses during transit to and in this country.
§ 61. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Minister of Agriculture how soon he anticipates making an order under the Diseases of Animals Act for the better protection of horses during transit to this country.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe transport of horses within Great Britain has already been dealt with under the Transit of Horses Order, 1951, which comes into operation on 19th March. I propose also to make an order for the better protection of horses during transit to this country. A good deal of consideration needs to be given to the detailed provisions of the order and consultation with interests concerned will also be necessary. Therefore, although my Department will press ahead as quickly as possible, I am afraid it will inevitably be a few weeks before the order can be made.
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§ 62. Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of recent cases of cruelty to horses in transit, he will now take powers to enable him to prosecute any employer who knowingly employs a man, twice convicted of cruelty, in any capacity where there is a possibility of a similar offence again being committed.
Mr. T. WilliamsNo. It would not be appropriate to single out this particular type of case for special legislation. The law in relation to the transit of horses by road is being strengthened by the Transit of Horses Order, 1951.