§ Mr. N. BUXTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the terms of the Regulation which is actually being enforced with regard to the feeding of horses not used in work of national economic importance?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Regulation to which the hon. Member refers is the Horses (Rationing) Order (No. 2), 1917, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. MILLARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the number of race-horses and thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom at present receiving rations under the provisions of the Horses (Rationing) Order, 1917?
Sir A. STANLEYMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The number of race-horses registered and licensed for the purpose of receiving rations under the Horses (Rationing) Order (No. 2), 1917, whilst in training for events in the present flat racing season in Great Britain is 1,185, but this number fluctuates somewhat, as a certain number of horses are from time to time put into or out of training, and notified to the Board of230W Trade. The number of race-horses receiving rations during training in Ireland is not exactly recorded, as the registration system was put into force at too late a date in the season for it to be carried out with any advantage in Ireland. The Turf Club of Dublin has, however, taken active steps to keep the number of horses in training at a minimum, and has informed the Board of Trade that the total number is considerably under 1,200. The Order does not provide for the central registration of the thoroughbreds that are being rationed thereunder.