HC Deb 06 February 1940 vol 357 cc63-4W
Sir T. Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the expressed policy of the Government that it is desirable to make British agriculture as little dependent as possible upon imported material, what steps are being taken during the war period to stimulate the breeding of heavy agricultural horses in Scotland, thereby preventing unnecessary expenditure on mechanised transport using imported fuel?

Mr. Colville

I appreciate the object which my hon. and gallant Friend has in view, but taking all the circumstances into account and bearing in mind the fact that an increased crop of foals would be unlikely to affect the supply of agricultural horses available during the war, I am not satisfied that special measures to stimulate heavy horse breeding are justified at the present time.