§ Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that horses used for hunting consume feeding-stuffs badly needed by farmers; that foxes are a serious discouragement to poultry-breeders; and will he now go further into this matter, and protect important food supplies by requisitioning such horses for farming and other useful purposes, and encouraging farmers to destroy foxes wherever found?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThe question of the consumption of feeding-stuffs by hunt horses is being closely watched. I would point out, however, that the number of such horses has been reduced by more than half since war began, a large number having been requisitioned for the Army; while the feeding-stuffs consumed by the remainder represent a very small fraction of total supplies. In my view, the circumstances do not justify the hon. Member's suggestion that the remaining horses should be requisitioned. As regards the destruction of foxes, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to Questions Nos. 57 and 62 to-day.