A long detailed report is ready for Animal Health, photographs of the pigs' heads and all.
Animal Health said that at the small abattoirs (which this one is, family run) there's only a vet for perhaps an hour or so, rather than continuously as in the larger operations.
I also have the impression that this man is part of the family who runs the place. It sure didn't stop him that several members of staff and (by the end) several customers were watching. His face is etched in my memory.
I live about an hour north of London. I'd be happy to travel a few hours with the pigs if people here think that'd be ok for them (perhaps at night?), so any suggestions of an abattoir that has consistently been found to be good are welcome.
Thankyou all for your reactions, it's much appreciated.
Eve