DR. CAMERONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, What saddlery Major Carrè shipped from Smyrna to Egypt; if he could state by whose instructions he bought it; whether he bought it from the contractor who sold him the mules; what he paid for it; whether it was found to be useless on its arrival in Egypt; and, what ultimately became of it?
MR. BRANDSir, as this Question relates to the Department for which I am responsible, my hon. Friend to whom it is addressed (Sir Arthur Hayter) has requested me to answer it. I have replied to several Questions put by the hon. Member on the subject of these mules; and on one occasion I expressed regret that Major Carre should not have acted on the advice of the veterinary surgeon who was associated with him in regard to the purchases that were made. But this inquiry, taken in conjunction with a former Question on the same subject, seems to me to suggest a reflection on the integrity of Major Carrè; and I think it right, therefore, in justice to that officer, who is at present stationed at St. Helena, to state that he bears a high character in the Service, and I would suggest to the hon. Member that if he has any charge to make against him, he should state distinctly what it is, and lay it before the Secretary of State. In answer to the specific inquiries now made, I may say that Major Carrè bought 300 pack saddles, with nose-bags, curry- 1326 combs, halters, ropes, and small stores at Smyrna, under instructions from the War Office, and shipped them for Egypt. These articles were bought from the contractors who sold the mules, or rather from their local agent. The sum paid was £480 17s. 3d. The saddles were used in Egypt, and were, it may be assumed, ultimately returned into store in the ordinary course.