HC Deb 07 February 1902 vol 102 cc658-9
COLONEL WELBY (Taunton)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether, before the South African War began the Intelligence Department or the Remount Department, was responsible for collecting and compiling information regarding the number and quality of horses that could probably be bought in our Colonies and in Foreign countries in the event of war, as well as regarding the current prices, and the most suitable agencies through which to buy.

MR. BRODRICK

Under the Order in Council of 1895, the Intelligence Department is responsible for collecting and distributing information regarding the military geography, resources, and armed forces of foreign countries and of British Colonies and Possessions. This information has referred rather to the warlike resources of the countries, for purposes of offence and defence, than to their availability as sources of supply to Great Britain. The contingency which has arisen of a supply of horses being suddenly needed, which it was beyond the power of Great Britain and her Colonies to supply, is an exceptional one.

CAPTAIN NORTON (Newington, W.)

Is it not the fact, as is distinctly stated in the War Office list, that the Quartermaster-General's Department is responsible for the remount subdivision, and that it is his duty to advise the Secretary of State on all questions connected with his Department?

COLONEL WELBY

May I ask whether the Intelligence Department is not responsible for the distribution of information regarding the resources of foreign countries.

* COLONEL LEGGE (St. George's, Hanover Square)

Is there any objection to lay upon the Table the instructions to the Intelligence and Remount Departments?

MR. BRODRICK

No instructions would be given to the Departments as to each section of their duties. The Intelligence Department is charged with examining the resources of foreign countries; but, as I have stated, their investigations are rather directed to the resources of those countries for offence and defence than to their availability for securing supplies for the British Empire.

* SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)

I cannot gather from the answer of my right hon. friend whether he contends that the Remount Department is or is not responsible for collecting information as to the sources of foreign supplies of horses.

MR. BRODRICK

Obviously every Department is responsible for asking for the necessary information, whether from the Intelligence Department or from any other Department.

SIR JOHN COLOMB

Is it the business of foreign attachés?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. The hon. Member is now debating the question.

SIR JOHN COLOMB

I will put down a Question.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in connection with the Quartermaster-General's Department, it is not the duty of the Remounts Officer to advise the Secretary of State on all questions connected with this Department?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper, which is as to the duty of the Remount Department in regard to horses that might be required in the event of war.

CAPTAIN NORTON

My Question is, Sir, whether the Quartermaster-General's Department and not the Military Intelligence Department is directly responsible for the Remount Department to the Secretary of State for War.

* MR. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member is wanting to ask another Question. He must give notice.