HL Deb 13 November 1968 vol 297 cc497-8

2.40 p.m.

THE MARQUESS OF WILLINGDON

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many ponies, excluding stallions and colts, have been exported to the Continent of Europe in the last twelve months; how many were under one year old; and what was the total sum realised on the sale of such ponies.]

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, the information available to the Agricultural Departments indicates that in the twelve months ending October 31, 1968, the total number was 3,050, of which 289 were under one year old. We have no information on the total sum realised on the sale of these animals, but the total value as declared to us by the exporters was just over £300,000.

THE MARQUESS OF WILLINGDON

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, may I ask him two supplementary questions? First, why cannot ponies have the same protection as mules, asses, genets and horses under the Export of Horses Order, No. 507, of 1966? Secondly, has not the moment arrived for some revision of commoners' rights for other forests, as was suggested last week in this House in the case of Epping Forest, thus making the breeding of scrub ponies unnecessary?

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, so far as the first part of that question is concerned, I should like to inform the noble Marquess that trade as described in the first part of the question does not now exist. With regard to the second part of the question, relating to grazing in Epping Forest, that is a matter for another Ministry. I will get what information I can on it and will write to the noble Marquess.

THE MARQUESS OF WILLINGDON

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord.

LORD GRANVILLE OF EYE

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether the Department concerned has yet been able to ascertain the real pur- pose of these exports; and what happens to these ponies when they react their destination?

LORD HILTON OF UPTON

My Lords, as to what happens to the ponies when they reach their destination I am afraid that I have no information. With regard to the purpose of the exports, I understand from the Ministry that people exporting ponies have to give the Ministry information why they are going to the Continent, or to some other country, whether it is for breeding purposes or for riding purposes. I think that answers both points raised by the noble Lord.