§ 10. Sir JOHN SPEARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the fact that nine ex-Army mares, sold by Messrs. Hall, Wateridge, and Owen, at Shrewsbury last week, averaged between £43 and £44 each; that the auctioneers said that they could sell 150 such animals; and, in view of this demand, will he promote the further sale of such animals, when available, in different parts of this country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)The facts are as stated in the first part of the question, but the Board have no knowledge of the auctioneers' statement to which the hon. Member refers. In reply to the last part of the question, I would point out that the number of suitable mares that are available for return is small, but arrangements will be made to bring back further consignments as opportunities occur, and to distribute them as suggested.