HC Deb 03 April 1941 vol 370 cc1151-2
25. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the difficulties of rationing, he will call for an immediate return of the number of racehorses in training, and, after consultation with the appropriate authorities interested in horse-breeding and racing, decide on a long and short-term policy?

27. Mr. Stokes

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of feeding-stuffs necessitating the slaughter of a great quantity of hens and pigs, he will take steps to suspend horse-racing either for the duration of the war or until a greater quantity of feeding-stuff is available?

Mr. H. Morrison

The continuation of horse-racing was recently reviewed in consultation with all the Departments concerned, and full account was taken of the considerations to which my hon. Friends refer. The conclusion arrived at by the Government was that it would not be in the national interest to prohibit racing altogether. It was, however, arranged with the Stewards of the Jockey Club that the programme for the flat-racing season should be further reduced. The continuation of racing next winter will be considered in the light of the situation then prevailing. As regards the suggestion that a return should be obtained of the number of racehorses in training, this information is being obtained periodically, and there has already been a substantial reduction in the number.

Sir R. Glyn

Will my right hon. Friend consider having a similar return at fixed periods of six or seven weeks to see what progress is being made in putting down a certain number of horses which are not necessary for thoroughbred breeding? Will he bear in mind the action of the Irish Government and the horses that move across the Channal between meetings here and in Ireland?

Mr. Morrison

I will consider those points.

Mr. Stokes

My point is that the hens and pigs are being killed now, and would it not be more prudent to stop horse-racing in the next six months in order to keep hens and pigs alive and restart horse-racing when the feeding-stuffs position is better?

Mr. Morrison

I cannot claim to be an expert on horse-racing, but a decision to close it down altogether would be a very serious decision to take in relation to an industry of some importance. The Government feel that at the present moment, while there has been a reduction in racing, they ought not to pursue a policy which would mean an end of this industry altogether.

Mr. Stokes

But is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are double the number of horses in training now as compared with the last war?