§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now state the number of horses purchased by the military authorities in Ireland during the years 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, and 1896 respectively; also the number purchased respectively in Canada and in foreign countries during the same years?
*MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSSince April 1, 1887, the total number of horses bought has been 15,018, of which 9,139, or nearly 61 per cent., have been purchased in Ireland.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs it not the fact that horses bought in Ireland are far superior in appearance and endurance to horses purchased abroad? [Langhter.]
§ MR. FLYNNWill the hon. Gentleman be able to give me a return of the respective numbers in the years mentioned in my Question?
*MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSThe respective numbers in the years named bear about the same proportion as the total proportion—namely, 61 per cent. I shall have no objection whatever to furnish the hon. Member privately with the details for each year, if he desires them.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENWill the hon. Gentleman say how many horses have been bought in foreign countries during the same period, and how many of them are alive to-day?
§ [No answer was given.]