DR. CAMERONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, with reference to the mules purchased by Major Carré for the Egyptian Expedition, Whether they have as yet been paid for; if so, it being acknowledged that the Veterinary Surgeon who accompanied Major Carré to Smyrna refused to pass the mules, and that the Committee appointed to report on them on their arrival at Ismalia reported only 198 out of a consignment of 612 animals as fit for service; by whose authority the payment was made?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERSir, the mules alluded to in the hon. Member's Question as purchased at Smyrna, were paid for in London, under the terms of 299 the contract, on the receipt of the mules in Egypt being certified by the local military authorities. The Board hold in Egypt declared 198 mules to be fit for immediate service; the majority of the remainder wore fit, and wont to work within five to 14 days afterwards.
DR. CAMERONfurther inquired, whether it was customary to pay for animals purchased under the inspection of a veterinary surgeon, when that veterinary surgeon had refused to pass them?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERIt is not the case, Sir, that the veterinary surgeon refused to pass the mules in question.