asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, with a view to improving methods of control in this country over establishments used for the intensified production of veal, he will study recent regulations which have been introduced in that connection by the Dutch Government, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Gillingham, with a view to their practical application in this country where possible.

The Dutch regulations to which my hon. Friend refers appear to be those which forbid the keeping of fattening calves in total darkness or in circumstances where they cannot lie down on their sides. I have no evidence that calves are being reared under conditions such as these in this country, where powers already exist under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, to prevent unnecessary suffering to any animal.