§ 83. Major Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, despite the assistance to farmers in the provision of tractors, the high prices of fuel, together with special circumstances on certain farms, make it essential to retain a certain number of heavy horses for general utility work; and whether he will reconsider the policy of withdrawing entirely the financial support hitherto given to the breeding of heavy agricultural horses?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Captain McEwen)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is aware of the desirability of maintaining the supply of heavy horses, but he is not prepared to accept the implication in the latter part of the Question that in the absence of financial support breeding operations will be substantially curtailed. In any event, breeding in this and subsequent seasons is not likely to have any effect upon supplies of agricultural horses available during the war. My right hon. Friend has given very careful consideration to representations urging a resumption of the grants for heavy horse breeding but he regrets that he cannot see his way to withdraw the suspension.