§ 49 Mr. G. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister what was the Food Controller's recommendation to the War Cabinet with regard to corn rations to racehorses; and what decision has been come to?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have been asked to reply. The Food Controller informed the War Cabinet of the cereal situation before the decision to allow a limited amount of winter racing was reached.
§ Mr. LAMBERTHas it been decided to stop horse-racing altogether?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo; the decision of the War Cabinet, after receiving the information referred to in my reply, was not to that effect.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it likely to help on the economy campaign to continue horseracing?
§ Colonel Sir H. GREENWOODWill the hon. Gentleman consider the disastrous effect upon our credit in Canada and the United States, from whom we are borrowing money to live, to continue horse-racing in this country?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs my reply indicates, the Food Controller placed before the Cabinet the cereal situation before the Cabinet made its decision.
§ Mr. ANDERSONDoes that mean that the suggestion of the Minister of Food on this question has been turned down by the War Cabinet?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt does not mean that the Minister of Food made any suggestion. He placed the facts of the situation before the War Cabinet.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay I ask the representative of the Prime Minister is there any reason why horse-racing is not stopped, considering the very serious shortage of cereals in this country?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I think the right hon. Gentleman had better give me notice of that question.
§ Mr. LAMBERTI beg pardon!
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWell, I handed it over to the Food Controller. The only answer I can give now is that the other facts and considerations which should be taken into account were considered by us, one of which was that the amount of food involved was absolutely trifling, and that the effect on the habits of the people was out of proportion to the saving of food.
§ Mr. KEATINGIs it not the opinion of the Cabinet that it will be impossible to keep up the breeding of horses if horseracing is stopped?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOf course, that consideration was put before us, but, judging by myself, the main consideration in making the decision was the interference with the habits of the people.
§ Mr. L. JONESAre we to take it the Food Controller does not make recommendations to the War Cabinet, but simply places facts before them?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHe does both, like every other Minister.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHow does the right lion. Gentleman expect me to remember every recommendation made months ago?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWill the hon. Member give notice?