§ 2.4 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are now in a position to make a statement on the Report of the Committee on National Stud policy, and methods of operation.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD (EARL ST. ALDWYN)My Lords, my right honourable friend is 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, my right honourable friend is enabled to put this policy into effect, thanks to Mr. Clark's generous gift to the National Stud of the stallion Never Say Die. He is also 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, he proposes to appoint a standing committee to advise on the acquisition and disposal of bloodstock.
THE DUKE of NORFOLKMy Lords, while thanking the noble Earl for his reply, might I ask him further whether he can give me any information as to the composition of that committee? May I also ask him to remind the Minister that it is essential that it should be small in number?
EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, my right honourable friend has under con- 1282 sideration the composition of the advisory committee, which will probably comprise three members, people of standing in the bloodstock world.