§ CAPTAIN NOLANasked the Secretary of State for War, If he will modify the new rule, which withdraws forage from mounted officers who are unable to certify that they are the bonâfide owners of the horses they use on military duty, so far as to permit of officers drawing forage for those horses which they use for military duty, and of which they have the exclusive control; and, if he will grant any relaxation of this rule in the case of mounted Militia officers who are called out for twenty-seven days' training?
MR. GATHORNE HARDYSir, the rule is not exactly a new one, it is the revival of the old-established practice of the Service, revived after a very full discussion by a Committee, of whom the Adjutant General, Quartermaster General, Surveyor General, Accountant General, and others are members. It was revived to remedy certain evils arising out of a relaxation of the rule, and it would not be wise to alter it without further experience. With regard to the Militia, there will be no objection to their drawing forage for horses hired for the period of the training, the duty being of a temporary character.