§ 46. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Agriculture why, in the new schedule of rations for horses, supplies of fodder are to be made available for the breeding of thoroughbreds but not of other light horses; and whether he will make arrangements to ensure the maintenance in this country of the breeding of ponies and good heavyweight light horses which are essential to the country?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Breeders of thoroughbred horses are allowed rations for feeding-stuffs, if they need them, because the Government are anxious to maintain the industry, which is of great national value in relation to the quantity of feeding-stuffs required. The breeding of other light horses can be carried on on agricultural holdings which grow sufficient fodder, and I have received no information of any serious decline in the breeding of such horses.