MR. G. W. ELLIOT (York, N.R., Richmond)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he is aware that certain 304 Foreign Governments have prohibited the export of horses, and, in consequence, that English horsedealers and others are unable to bring their purchases to this country, whilst, at the same time, foreign agents are actively employed in buying and exporting abroad English horses every week; and, will he take any steps to prevent these restrictions being continued, or to induce Foreign Governments to relax them in favour of horses destined for this country?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)(who replied) said: Her Majesty's Government are aware that certain Foreign Governments have prohibited the export of horses. It is a matter of regret that private persons should be inconvenienced thereby, but as the step has doubtless been taken on grounds of military expediency, Her Majesty's Government could not, with any likelihood of success, take any steps to procure the relaxation of the prohibitions in favour of horses destined for this country.