§ Mr. Cordleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many New Forest ponies have been exported during 12 months to the latest convenient date to meet the demand for horse flesh on the Continent; what representations have been made to him; and what steps he proposes to take to prohibit this export trade.
§ Mr. John MackieRepresentations have been made from time to time that consignments of ponies exported from this country to the Continent have been slaughtered for horseflesh. Careful investigations have revealed no evidence to substantiate these statements. The final part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.