HC Deb 08 August 1972 vol 842 cc330-1W
40. Mr. Winterton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will seek powers to amend the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1958 to ensure that all animals slaughtered in the United Kingdom, for whatever reason, are subject to pre-stunning.

Mr. Peter Mills

No. Though, in general, animals must be rendered insensible before slaughter, we think it right to make exception for religious slaughter methods provided no unnecessary suffering is inflicted.