§ Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the prospective shortage of draught horses and the increased expenses in travelling stallions, he will increase the grants to approved societies operating under the Horse Breeding Act from the prewar figure of £40.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThere are no societies operating under the Horse Breeding Act, but I assume that the hon. Member is referring to local societies which hire and travel heavy stallions with the aid of grants from the Exchequer, the normal rate for which is £40 per year. I have received representations from various sources that the grant should be increased for the reasons mentioned, and the matter is being actively considered, but I should point out that in many instances the societies concerned are also in receipt of grants made by the Racecourse Betting Control Board from the Totalisator Fund.