§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the present approximate annual cost of the grants given by his Department to assist the heavy horse breeding societies of this country; whether he is aware that the announcement in his circular of 8th February that these grants are to be withdrawn for the current year constitutes a setback to the heavy horse breeding societies many of whom are already committed to their programmes for 1957 and to the hiring of the necessary stallions; and whether in these circumstances he will reconsider his decision.
§ Mr. GodberThe grants to heavy horse societies in England and Wales amounted to £1,238 in 1955 and £986 in 1956.
My right hon. Friend's decision to withdraw these grants was taken because circumstances had changed so much since they were introduced many years ago. He realises that their withdrawal may cause some setback to the societies but I am afraid that he cannot alter his decision.