asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has now any statement to make on the question of the slaughter of horses for human consumption; and if he intends to take any steps to restrict this slaughter.

Yes. As my right hon. Friend undertook on 7th March, the Government have considered this question and other related questions about traffic in horses that have been raised by hon. Members and has decided to set up a small committee of inquiry. My right hon. Friend will inform the House of the constitution and terms of reference of this committee as soon as they have been settled.