§ 71. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to state the total number and value of butchers' cattle exported to the Continent of Europe since June last; the numbers that have qualified for the fatstock guarantees; and the amount paid.
§ Mr. GodberNo precise figures are available, but it is estimated that just over 50,000 head of cattle were exported in the six months 1st June to 30th November last year. The number which qualified for the fatstock guarantee is not known, but it was probably less than a210W third of the total number. On this basis, the subsidy payment was between £300,000 and 050,000; against this has to be set the removal from the market of certain cattle in little demand, which tends to improve the general level of prices to the benefit of the Exchequer. We have no details as yet for December and January.
§ 72. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has now decided to make an inquiry into the export of live cattle for slaughter on the Continent; and what immediate measures he is taking to strengthen the rules to ensure humane treatment of these cattle in transit.
§ Mr. GodberMy right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland are giving urgent consideration to these matters. They expect to be able to make an announcement very soon.