§ 27. Mr. Radfordasked the Secretary of State for War whether all horses and other transport animals which become surplus to military requirements while abroad will be either brought back to the United Kingdom or destroyed under military supervision in accordance with the policy of the Army Council, as announced in 1936?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe assurance asked for is in accordance with the practice that has for a long time been observed in the disposal of British Army horses on foreign service, and there is no intention of departing from it.
§ Mr. RadfordWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask whether he realises the wide satisfaction with which the announcement of the Government will be received?
§ 37. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makinsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will lay on the Table of the House a copy of the instructions issued 20 to War Office agents buying horses for Army purposes?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt would be contrary to practice to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, but I would refer him to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on Tuesday, 24th October.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteAre the owners of these horses the only people who are not to get a fair price?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIf that is so there is an appeal.
§ Sir E. MakinsIs not the real reason that the orders are so sketchy that they cannot understand them?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat is not the reason at all. The reason is obvious.
§ 38. Sir E. Makinsasked the Secretary of State for War what impressment of horses there has been in Scotland and Wales; and whether he is satisfied that this impressment was well spread over the countryside?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaHorses have been impressed in England, Scotland and Wales. Should it be necessary to obtain further horses for the Army, areas not yet visited will be the first to be drawn on.