§ 75. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been called to the allegation that the rations allowed to working horses are in many cases in sufficient owing to the lack of proper nutrition in various mixtures or classes of provender sold for feeding horses; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Sir A. STANLEYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The cereal rations at present allowed to 2140 working horses were fixed after full consideration and after taking expert advice. The rations are graded according to the class of horse and the manner in which it is worked, and they are regarded as sufficient to keep horses in proper working condition during the summer months. The only ingredient in the provender mixture that is generally poorer in quality than usual is the hay, and this is not at present rationed.
§ Mr. CLYNESNot that I am aware of.
§ Mr. MOLTENOCan the hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the poor condition of the horses we have seen in London to-day—what general reason is there to account for that?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat hardly arises out of the question.