§ 106. Mr. E. Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture how many racehorses are being bred and maintained for horse 94W racing; the amount of grain allocated for the purpose of feeding them; and whether this food will be diverted for human consumption.
§ Mr. CollickMy right hon. Friend has no information as to the total number of racehorses that are being bred and maintained for horse racing, but the number of horses of thoroughbred breeding stock and racehorses in training for which feedingstuffs coupons were issued in April last was 8,353. The quantity of oats allowed in rations to such horses averaged 556 tons per month in the year ended 30th April last. In view of the commercial importance of the horse breeding industry and especially of the export trade in bloodstock, the value of which would be seriously affected by a cessation of racing, my right hon. Friend is not proposing to divert this comparatively small quantity of grain to human consumption