HC Deb 09 October 1941 vol 374 cc1123-4
51. Major Procter

asked the Minister of Agriculture why arrangements have been made to supply rations to racing geldings but not to ponies and light horses generally; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent falling-off in the breeding of the latter classes of horses?

Mr. Hudson

Rations are being allowed for racing geldings in accordance with the Government's decision that a limited programme of racing should be permitted. The supply of cereals and cereal products available for distribution under the rationing scheme is inadequate to allow rations to be provided for ponies and light horses generally, and their owners are expected to grow feeding-stuffs for them. I have no evidence of a serious decline in the breeding of ponies and horses of the kinds to which my hon. Friend refers.