asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the report of court proceedings at Colchester at which fines were imposed for unnecessary suffering caused to cattle, and the associated material on the subject forwarded to him; and whether he is satisfied that, as the result of his conversations with the Ministry of Food, the arrangements for slaughtering made by his Department are such as to prevent the unnecessary transport of animals over long distances in circumstances in which suffering may be caused.

I have seen the report and I deplore the occurrence. I am satisfied that this incident was isolated and that the arrangements for transport and slaughter are adequate if properly carried out.