HC Deb 13 January 1916 vol 77 cc1747-8
20. Mr. P. MEEHAN

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether it has been proposed by the Development Commissioners to reduce the Grants for the encouragement of horse-breeding in Ireland; and. if so, to what extent?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL (Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture,) Ireland

The Development Commissioners proposed in August last that their Grant of £10,000 for horse-breeding in Ireland should be reduced by £5,000. They have within the past week suggested reasons why the Grant should be stopped altogether. Among these reasons is the reduction of the Department's expenditure on horse-breeding from their endowment fund brought about through the shrinkage of Government securities due to the War, which has left the Department a smaller amount available to apply to their schemes.

Mr MEEHAN

Have the Grants for horse-breeding been stopped in England?

Mr. RUSSELL

No; I rather think they have been increased.

Mr. BOLAND

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any further representations on the subject since he learnt that they have been increased in England?

Mr. RUSSELL

Oh, yes; we have been in constant communication about them, because we think it is a most serious thing.