Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that despite recent decreases in the total horse population of this country the number of horses imported from abroad has continued to increase, and that in 1937 17,559 1358W horses were imported as against an estimated production for the year by British horse breeders of about 100,000 horses; and whether he will review the whole matter with a view to curtailing or prohibiting these imports?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that the number of horses imported into the United Kingdom annually has increased in the last four years, but the figures for the first ten months of this year show a substantial decrease compared with the corresponding period in 1937. Moreover, the average declared value per head of the horses imported has increased sharply in the past two years and for the current year to date was £152. I have no reason to believe that the volume of imports is depressing the market for home-bred horses. In the circumstances I do not consider it necessary to take the step suggested by my hon. Friend.