§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that light-horse breeding in Great Britain and Ireland is rapidly declining because of the prices paid by the military authorities; what advance has been made on the prices paid in 1914 as against the prices paid now; whether, in view of the cost of feeding-stuffs and the expense incurred in every way by the breeding of this class of horse, an advance in price will be made; why no such thing has occurred; and why, whilst every other essential thing required to meet the country's needs have been increased in price by over 100 per cent., the price of this class of horse remains at a standstill?
§ Mr. FORSTERI believe that it is true that light-horse breeding is momentarily declining, but not mainly for the reason which my hon. Friend suggests. My hon. Friend is wrong in thinking that there has not been any advance in prices since war broke out. On the contrary there there has been a substantial all-round increase, amounting in some cases to 100 per cent. The Government buys horses without compulsion in the open market.