§ Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the present, and what in their view will be the future state of supplies of 0.310 and 0.32 ammunition used for the humane slaughter of animals; and whether they will take any action should supplies be inadequate.
§ Lord BESWICKSupplies of the "strong" type of ammunition of these two calibres (for the humane slaughter of large animals away from slaughterhouses) are virtually unobtainable in this country at present. I am not aware of any shortage of ammunition for captive bolt pistols used in slaughterhouses.
The supply of ammunition is not the direct responsibility of the Government, but in view of their interest in animal welfare MAFF have encouraged the user interests to form a working group to co-ordinate their individual efforts to ensure the continuity of supply. In addition, MAFF has been able to release a small number of 0.320 rounds to the working group from emergency stocks held against outbreaks of disease.
A consignment of 0.310 rounds is expected from abroad next month, and supplies of 0.320 may follow later on, but this is a matter for the user and manufacturing interests to resolve on a commercial basis.
House adjourned at eight minutes past four o'clock.