§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.); To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is able to state the amount of the Government subsidies granted in France to breeders of horses suitable for 1496 military purposes; and how much is at present contributed out of State funds for a similar purpose to horse breeders in the United Kingdom.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) A sum of about £53,000 is voted annually for subsidising stud farms which furnish stallions to breeders of horses, with a view to improving the breed of French horses generally and providing a supply of horses from which good horses for military purposes can be bought. A sum of £51,000 is voted annually for premiums to breeders of horses suitable for military purposes. A sum of £1,200 is voted annually for prizes for military horse races in France. No funds are at present provided from Army Estimates for similar purposes.