HC Deb 21 September 1886 vol 309 cc1105-6
MR. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

asked the Secretary of State for War, If he can inform the House, in regard to reported purchases on the Continent of Europe of horses for Cavalry, Artillery, and Transport, whether the authorities have recently made or will now make inquiries as to the comparative cost and the feasibility, in view of improved steamer communica- tions, of obtaining suitable remounts for England and India from the British Colonies in South Africa and Australia?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

The subject referred to by the hon. Member has already had consideration. Officers are now in Canada inquiring as to the possibility of obtaining horses for the Army in the Dominion; and attention will be directed to the resources which the South African Colonies afford. I understand that the Indian Army is largely supplied from Australia.