§ 54. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture how many horses were working on farms in England and Wales in 52W 1938 compared with the latest date for which figures are available; and what steps he is taking to ensure that enough horses are retained at work on the farms to prevent farming from being brought to a standstill in the event of a serious shortage of petrol.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe number of horses used for agricultural purposes in England and Wales was 562,000 in June, 1938 and 222,000 in December, 1951. My Department encourages the maintenance of a breeding stock of heavy horses by giving grants to societies travelling stallions, but it would be impracticable to ensure that enough horses were retained on farms to provide for every emergency.