HC Deb 13 December 1938 vol 342 cc1790-1
40. Colonel Sir Charles MacAndrew

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office grant for light-horse breeding will be continued next year at the same figure as has been given since 1934?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

There would appear to be no military justification for a further grant from Army funds.

Sir C. MacAndrew

In view of the fact that the Racecourse Betting Control Board is spending enormous sums of money, and in view of the urgency of the problem, does my right hon. Friend not think that light horse breeding would be much better discussed before Christmas rather than pensions for Members of Parliament?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The Control Board has been making increased grants, and so also has the Army.

Sir C. MacAndrew

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that the Racecourse Betting Control Board have had to increase their grants because he has been putting grants down?

Mr. J. J. Davidson

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the rearing of light horses is more important than the wellbeing of the widows and wives of soldiers?