§ 52. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the famous and hardy breed of Dartmoor pony is fast becoming extinct as a pure breed, through horses and ponies of other breeds being allowed on to Dartmoor; and what steps he will take to ensure the preservation of the breed of Dartmoor ponies in the wild state.
Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that some inter-breeding of Dartmoor ponies with ponies of other breeds is occurring among animals living on Dartmoor, but I have no powers that would enable me to prohibit owners of horses or ponies of such other breeds from allowing their animals to be on the moor, nor do I think it necessary to seek such powers.