§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the scheme for the encouragement of horse-breeding for national requirements submitted by the Board to, and approved by, the Development Commission, which was made public in the London Press on 6th January, was officially announced to any or all of the leading agricultural societies or Chambers of Agriculture in the kingdom; and whether it is proposed to give any intimation through the county committees, or otherwise, to existing or intending horse breeders as to the price to be paid for remount horses at three years off, as to the number required annually by the War Office, and as to the prospects of breeders finding a market for their produce?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir Edward Strachey)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODWhen shall we have an opportunity of discussing this grant?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYOn the Supplementary Estimates.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYWill the Board consider the advisability of acquainting these committees and the Chambers of Agriculture officially with these schemes?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYNo, Sir.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether, in view of the increasing number of women horse breeders in the country, as evidenced by the stud books of the breed societies and the awards at the leading agricultural and horse shows, the Board will empower the chairmen of county councils to include women amongst the members of the new county horse supply committees?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe chairmen of county councils have been invited to nominate suitable persons to serve on the 1054 county committees. There is no restriction as to sex.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether public money has been used by his Department to encourage the breeding of light horses; if so, how much money has been employed for this purpose; what was the authority for the expenditure; and when the House will have an opportunity to discuss this question?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Development Commissioners have recommended that an advance should be made to the Board from the Development Fund for the purpose of carrying out a scheme for the improvement of light horse breeding and a Supplementary Estimate has been presented.