§ 18. Mr. J. J. Astorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the Report of the Committee on National Stud Policy and Methods of Operation.
Mr. AmoryYes, Sir. I am in general agreement with the objectives which the Committee's recommendations are designed to achieve. The permanent implementation however of the policy of standing at the Stud a stallion of the very highest class must depend on future financial circumstances. In the shorter term, however, I am enabled to put this policy into effect thanks to Mr. Clark's generous gift to the National Stud of the stallion, Never Say Die. I am in broad agreement with the Committee's recommendations on mares, but as the Stud must continue to be self-supporting, it will continue to breed some yearlings for sale as an additional source of revenue. As recommended by the Committee, I propose to appoint a standing committee to advise on the acquisition and disposal of bloodstock.
Mr. T. WilliamsMay I ask the Minister whether, in view of this exceedingly generous gift from an American, any British breeder has felt like being equally generous and making a present of a stallion to the National Stud?
Mr. AmoryI am interested in the right hon. Gentleman's Question because I am glad to say that Sir Victor Sassoon has offered to the National Stud his colt, 1364 Elopement. I have accepted the offer with great gratitude, and I am hoping that Elopement will stand at the stud from the 1957 season onwards.