SIR THOMAS GIBSON CARMICHAEL (Edinburgh, Midlothian)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can tell the House what is the present numerical strength of the 1st Dragoon Guards quartered at Colchester; what is the number of horses belonging to the regiment; and whether detachments from infantry regiments have been detailed to groom these horses under supervision of cavalry non-commissioned officers?
§ MR. BRODRICKThe present strength of the 1st Dragoon Guards is 440 noncommissioned officers and men; and 337 horses belong to the regiment. No Infantry soldiers have been detailed for the purpose of grooming horses, but detachments from three Infantry battalions have been attached for training in the duties of regimental transport. As part of this training, grooming and other duties connected with horses naturally 1531 come in. The opportunity of the winter is taken for this purpose, as many of the Cavalry soldiers are on furlough, and the horses are available for training the Infantry.