§ 52. Colonel ROPNERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that on 10th June, 21 draught horses were brought to Hull from Belgium 551 for sale in Lancashire, and that further consignments are to follow; whether he is aware of the scarcity of suitable draught horses in this country owing to the discouragement given to breeders by the competition of motor traffic; and whether he will consider the desirability of adjusting the present grant to heavy horse-breeding so as to ensure that all heavy horses required here are bred in this country.
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware of the consignment to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I have no knowledge as to future imports. I am also aware of the improved demand for draught horses and of the rise in prices from the previous low level, but I have no information suggesting a scarcity of such horses. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply that I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 27th May last.