HC Deb 13 June 1901 vol 95 cc264-5
SIR J. BLUNDELL MAPLE (Camberwell, Dulwich)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state how many horses used for military purposes were shipped from South Africa between 1st January and 1st June this year, how many horses were landed in South Africa between the same dates, and what is the estimated cost per horse for conveyance each way between South Africa and England; and whether the Government would consider the possibility of chargers belonging to officers returning home being retained in South Africa for the use of officers proceeding from England to fill their places.

*MR. BRODRICK

120 horses, which were officers' chargers, were brought back from South Africa during the five months referred to. These included the horses of deceased officers, whose relatives wished to retain them. 33,483 horses were landed in South Africa in the same period. The cost of conveyance from England of remounts by freight or in horse transports averages from £20 to £25. Officers' chargers are generally sent in infantry transports, and no extra cost is incurred for their conveyance. Chargers which are the property of the Remount Department are retained in South Africa. With those which are the private property of officers it is, of course, impossible to interfere.

SIR J. BLUNDELL MAPLE

Is it not possible that the officers' chargers coming back from South Africa, some of which are not worth the cost of carriage, might be bought out there even as "cats' meat," and the cost of carriage saved?

*MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir. My hon. friend will, I think, understand that 120 horses coming back in the course of five months, at an average of from £20 to £25, including a number of chargers of deceased officers, is not an amount which will make a great difference either way. It is entirely a question for an officer, who has a charger on which he sets store, whether he leaves it in South Africa or brings it home.

SIR J. BLUNDELL MAPLE

Does 120 represent the total number of horses sent back?

*MR. BRODRICK

Yes; 120 only have been brought back altogether. Officers' chargers belonging to the Government are retained in South Africa.