HC Deb 23 June 1949 vol 466 cc447-8
51. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many working farm-horses are employed in agricultural work today; and what was the corresponding figure in 1939.

Mr. T. Williams

The number of horses used for agricultural purposes, including mares kept for breeding, as returned by occupiers of more than one acre of agricultural land in England and Wales was: 384,000 in June, 1948, compared with 549,000 in June, 1939.

Mr. Osborne

Could the Minister say whether the numbers are still falling?

Mr. Williams

I have not got the June returns for this year yet.