Mr. T. MORRISasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that for the first four months of this year imports of horses into this country amounted to 3,163as against 1,465 for the same period of 1933, whereas export of horses fell for the same period to 563 from 580; which countries at the present time permit, as we do, the importation free of horses of any kind; and what steps have been taken during the past three years to obtain a reduction in the tariffs preventing the exportation of British-bred horses abroad?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am aware of the position in this country with regard to imports and exports of horses. Exemption from customs duty is accorded, generally speaking, in most of the Dominions and in India, and in a few foreign countries, including Denmark, Persia and Chile. Certain foreign countries also extend free entry, under permit, to pedigree horses for breeding. I do not know to what extent it the decline in exports of horses from this country can be attributed to tariffs abroad; but the matter is borne in mind in appropriate cases in commercial negotiations, and a guarantee of free entry for pedigree horses for breeding was obtained from the Argentine, under the Supplementary Agreement of September, 1933.