HC Deb 18 March 1940 vol 358 cc1657-8W
Mr. Jackson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Builth and Radnorshire Shire Horse Society will probably be unable to continue its activities during the 1940 season without the assistance which it has received during the past years from the grants made by his Department; and whether, in view of the desirability of maintaining so far as possible the breeding of heavy horses by farmers in Wales, he will examine the financial circumstances of the horse societies at an early date with a view to ascertaining what is the minimum financial support necessary to enable them to continue their useful activities?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have received representations in the sense indicated by the hon. Member in the first part of the Question. With regard to the latter part, I would refer him to the replies given on 14th March to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas) and my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower).

Major Carver

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the war agricultural executive committee of the East Riding of Yorkshire is supporting the protests of the Shire Horse Society against his recent decision to discontinue the grants for heavy-horse breeding; and whether, in view of the widespread protests which this decision has caused in all agricultural circles, he can arrange for the whole matter to be reinvestigated at an early date?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas) and my hon Friend the Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) on 14th March.