§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the last equine census took place; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerNo such census is conducted by my Department. However, information was sought in the 1983 agriculture census on the numbers of horses kept on farms. The results were as follows:
England United Kingdom Horses used for agriculture or horticultural purposes 4,440 6,420 Other horses and ponies kept on farms 124,000 160,000 These figures did not include horses kept in specialised establishments such as racing stables and riding schools.