Government acknowledges ragwort threat to equine welfare

Speaking in support of a Private Member's Bill on ragwort control, Minister for the Horse, the Rt Hon Alun Michael acknowledged that ragwort poses a real threat to equine welfare. During his speech in the House of Commons last Friday (21 March) he also said that he was keen to ensure that the Government play a full part in controlling the spread of ragwort.

Following the Bill's Second Reading it now passes to Committee stage for further debate and agreed amendments before returning to the House for a Third Reading

BHS Chief Executive, Kay Driver, said after the debate, "The BHS is delighted that the Bill has been able to move forward to Committee and pleased to hear the Minister's commitment to control ragwort."

The Bill, Equine Welfare (Ragwort Control) Bill, has been initiated by the British Horse Society and sponsored by John Greenway, (Cons) MP for Ryedale in North Yorkshire.

The Hansard recording of the Equine Welfare (Ragwort Control) Bill Second Reading is available by linking to: <http://www.parliament.uk/hansard/hansard.php>

www.bhs.org.uk

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