§ MR. DALYI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can state how much it costs the Government annually for the purchase of horses reared in foreign countries for Army purposes; whether he is aware that large purchases of horses for the French Army are made in Ballybay, county Monaghan; and if his Department is aware of the advantages to be gained by visiting Ballybay when good horses are required for the English Army?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.Horses are not usually purchased for Army purposes in foreign countries, the purchases in South America for the troops in South Africa being quite exceptional. I am aware that the French Government purchase largely all over Ireland. Ballybay district is occasionally visited by remount officers. As the honourable Member has been already informed, almost all the riding horses for the Army are purchased in Ireland.
§ MR. POWELL WILLIAMSI am not able to answer that at the moment.