§ MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S. E.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the advisability of establishing remount depots for troopers, where three-year-olds can be kept till sufficiently matured for the ranks; and 35 whether he is aware that horses rising three could be bought far cheaper than those one year older, owing to the fact that purchasers for non-military purposes would not compete at that age?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.A few three-year-olds are purchased, but the establishment charges of depots such as suggested in the question would be considerable. The cost of keep for twelve months, and the additional risk it involves, which deters private persons from giving as much for three-year-olds as for four-year-olds, also affects the Government.