HC Deb 03 August 1909 vol 8 cc1697-8
Mr. HUNT

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the parish council of Sleat, Isle of Skye, has lately passed a unanimous resolution that the stallions and bulls lately supplied by the Congested Districts Board have been of very poor quality, much to the detriment of the stock in the island; and will he inquire into the matter and have better animals supplied in future years?

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)

I am aware that the parish council of Sleat have represented recently to the Congested Districts Board that there is a falling off in the quality of the bulls and stallions sent by the Board to the parish; but as a matter of fact the 17 bulls supplied since 1899 have been good specimens from well-known herds, and the Board's Agricultural Inspector, in a statement quoted in the Board's Report for 1908–9, says that the cattle of the district have much improved since 1899 in quality and breeding.

Mr. HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that dealers who come to buy these animals complain very much that they are not so good because they are bred in a soft way, and therefore they are not suitable for Highland cattle?

Mr. URE

I am only aware of the complaint made by the Parish Council of Sleat, which seems to be groundless.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the Congested Districts Board are causing a stallion, which has an amount of Clydesdale blood in him, to be travelled in the Isle of Skye; and whether, seeing that this cross is fatal for the purpose of breeding hard and useful Highland ponies, he will take steps to ensure a more suitable stallion being provided?

Mr. URE

I understand that the Parish Council of Sleat have informed the Congested Districts Board that they have reason to suppose that the stallion sent to the parish by the Board this year has a Clydesdale strain. This stallion was foaled on the Board's stud farm in Skye, and the Board's knowledge of his pedigree does not bear out the allegation. The Board are at present waiting to hear the result of further inquiries which the parish council are making.

Mr. HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this horse has the hairy heels of the Clydesdale breed, and that that is a much surer sign of pedigree than any other.

Mr. SPEAKER

These veterinary questions ought to be put down.