HC Deb 19 March 1901 vol 91 c399
*MR. GILBERT PARKER (Graves-end)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can explain why the agents of the Government, purchasing horses for the use of the Army in South Africa, have only purchased 3,738 in Canada as against 7,901 purchased in Australia, and"26,310 from the United States; and whether the Canadian Government have drawn the attention of His Majesty's Government to this matter.

*THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

The purchase of horses in Canada was limited by the shortness of the season and the approach of the Canadian winter, and the prices of the horses and cobs were much higher than those paid for similar animals obtained in the United States and in Australia. Some correspondence has passed respecting this matter with the Agent General for Canada.

MR. MALCOLM (Suffolk, Stowmar-ket)

Is there any chance of remount depots being established in Canada?

*LORD STANLEY

Yes, it is hoped to establish a remount depot in Canada. The whole subject is now under consideration.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Does Canada contribute anything towards the cost of the war?

[No answer was given.]

MR. MACDONA (Southwark, Rother-hithe)

In what way does the Canadian winter prevent the purchase of the horses?

*LORD STANLEY

We cannot purchase horses in winter and send them on a tropical passage to South Africa.