HC Deb 21 February 1901 vol 89 c669
COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can state how many Irish horses were bought from dealers in the year 1900, and how many from farmers or non-dealers, and what was the average price paid to the dealers and what was the average paid to the farmers.

LORD STANLEY

The figures are as follows:—From dealers, 5,907 horses and cobs; from persons other than dealers, 207 horses and cobs. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the prices paid while purchases are still in progress.

MR. FLAVIN

Can the noble Lord say if orders were issued by the War Office not to purchase horses in Ireland?

LORD STANLEY

No, Sir, I believe such is not the case.

MR. CULLINAN (Tipperary, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Chief Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can explain why, during a, portion of the past year, the Army Department ceased to buy horses in Ireland; and whether he has any official information showing which are the best and most suitable horses for Army purposes.

MR. BRODRICK

The hon. Member has been misinformed. The War Department has not ceased buying horses in Ireland during the past year. Irish and English horses have proved the best of those imported into the Cape for Army purposes, and considerable purchases are contemplated in the immediate future.

MR. CULLINAN

Is it not the fact that orders were given to cease buying horses in Ireland because of the opposition of the Irish people to the war?

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir.